The International Day of Rural Women was established by the United Nations to celebrate the achievement of rural women, and advocate for gender equality in the agriculture industry. The day is celebrated each year on 15 October.
We recently caught up with three rural women who hold agriculture close to their hearts and are excited to share their stories with you below.
Tell us about yourself.
Jess:
My name is Jess White, I’m 28 and I’m a Graduate Agronomist with AGRIvision Consultants (Donald & Hopetoun). I grew up in Maryborough, Victoria.
I’ve completed a range of study over the years, in chronological order, I’ve completed a Diploma of Nursing (Fed Uni TAFE), Bachelor of Nursing (Charles Sturt Uni – Online), Certificate IV in Agriculture (Fed Uni TAFE), Diploma of Applied Agronomy (Longerenong – Online), & Graduate Certificate in Agriculture (CSU – Online).
I enjoy exercising in my free time, I believe staying fit and healthy is good for mental health. I played netball this year for the Donald Netball Club, and I also like cycling and weightlifting.
Rural mental health is a key passion of mine. In 2021, I completed “The Solo 1000,” a 1,198 km solo ride from Robe, SA, through Western Victoria to Wilcannia, NSW, raising nearly $5,500 for the RFDS Flying Doctors Wellbeing Program, which provides mental health services to rural and remote Australians. My only support was a vehicle carrying my camping supplies, which I met three times a day—morning, lunch, and night. I’m now planning a second ride in 2026, from Bendigo to Charleville, called “The Solo 1000 – Base 2 Base.”
Christine:
My name is Christine Plummer and I grew up in Ermington, a northwest suburb of Sydney on the Parramatta River. I have a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience (Hons I) (Major in Animal Production Systems) from the University of Sydney.
My interests and hobbies include dog training, hiking/bush walks, gardening, plant identification – just being out in nature.
Teagen:
My name’s Teagen, I grew up on hobby farm in a small town in the heart of the Yarra Valley called Silvan. My childhood and teen years were spent riding horses and motorbikes through the orchards that surrounded our property. As I came to the end of year twelve I was thinking about what career path I was going to head down. The biggest rule in our household – we had to do a trade or get a university degree. After I finished year twelve I was accepted into a nursing degree which I deferred to have a gap year. During that year I was working part time at a hair salon and was approached to do my hairdressing apprenticeship which I jumped at. I ended up working in hairdressing for seven years before working in the racing industry and trying to go back and study as a mature age student which was an epic failure.
What led you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Jess:
My passion for agriculture began in high school, where I was fascinated by rural life, often watching farmers and observing crops grow. This led me to switch schools mid way through Year 10 to pursue a Certificate II in Agriculture – although I never completed the Certificate II or high school. Coming from a predominantly nursing and healthcare family, I shifted paths and left high school at the end of year 11, becoming a nurse with the support of my nursing parents. For the past eight years, I’ve worked in various specialties within nursing, but I always felt a deeper connection to agriculture.
In 2022, I decided to follow my childhood dream of becoming an Agronomist. Despite not being a great student, I enrolled in a Certificate IV in Agriculture, determined to make it happen. Over the 18 months that followed, I graduated from three institutions, earned three qualifications, and signed a contract with AGRIvision Consultants as a Graduate Agronomist—my dream was finally coming true.
Although I didn’t enjoy nursing as a career, I don’t regret my healthcare journey and I’m still a Registered Nurse. However, I now realize that the skills I developed; critical thinking, time management, communication, empathy, and people skills, are just as valuable in agriculture. My nursing career shaped my outlook on situations and life, and only improved my work ethic, and determination, ultimately helping me transition into this new chapter in my life as an Agronomist.
Christine:
Growing up in Sydney, I did not have a lot of exposure to the agriculture industry, but I loved animals and knew that I wanted a career involving them. Following school, I commenced an Animal Bioscience degree which I planned to use as a basis to graduate as a veterinarian which is what I wanted to do at the time, however, the first year of university changed this plan. Learning about agriculture and how the industry works in with the landscape and climate, not to mention the types of production systems – it opened my eyes to the different possibilities. I greatly enjoyed learning about the particulars to livestock production; genetics, pastures, stock health and nutrition, I had never come across this before. I knew from then on this was the industry I wanted to work in. Through placement and experience working in the agriculture at university, I discovered agricultural extension and advisory and knew that was the space I wanted to work in.
Teagen:
I genuinely fell into Ag. I wanted to move from the Yarra Valley back to Geelong where I had been living for a few years. I applied for a number of admin positions and the only place I got a call back from was Landmark (now Nutrien Ag Solutions) where I was employed to fill a 12-month maternity leave position. I’ve been with Nutrien Ag Solutions for 7 years now and worked in several roles across different areas within the business including insurance, finance and now branch manager.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role in the industry?
Jess:
It’s incredibly rewarding to see the end product after a year of inputs, advice, and hard work, especially in broadacre farming, where each season is different, yet the goal remains the same. The variation between seasons impacts decisions, but the ultimate aim never changes—sometimes it just feels like more of an obstacle course. It’s also inspiring to witness how the agricultural community comes together in tough times, supporting each other when the season doesn’t go as planned or when someone faces hardship. The camaraderie in agriculture is remarkable, and I’m proud to work in such a proud, innovative, and supportive industry.
Christine:
The most rewarding aspect of my role is working with our landholders and thankfully with NSW Local Land Services I get to do that every single day. I love the light bulb moments in the paddock when I might be talking about plant responses to rainfall or how diet selectivity impacts pastures and seeing the landholders draw the connections between their knowledge and the pieces I have shared along the way. Another rewarding aspect is getting to see the variability of landscapes, the Western Local Land Services region covers 40% of NSW which comes with a diverse range of soils, topography, vegetation communities and rainfall, all of which makes my job that much more special. I feel privileged to be able to work with land managers who share their piece of world with me so we can work together to improve their business.
Teagen:
It sounds cliché, but the people I get to work with daily, especially my team and our growers. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know a wide variety of growers, their families, and their businesses. Each farm is unique, and witnessing the diverse approaches that different growers take to managing their operations and adapting to the seasons is a unique opportunity.
What challenges do you see the industry facing over the next 5 years?
Jess:
The lack of reliable weather forecasting has become a growing challenge in agriculture, making it increasingly difficult to plan and forecast growers’ potential. In years like 2024, with constant shifts in predictions that don’t come to fruition; “rain in 10 days” or “a wet Spring”, uncertainty within the forecasts has only worsened. While weather has always been a volatile risk in the industry, the inconsistency in forecasts has added another layer of difficulty.
Labor shortages are also a significant issue expected to persist over the next five years. Although some young people are returning to family farms and rural areas, many still choose not to, driven away by housing shortages, high living costs, and a lack of essential services like healthcare, childcare, and schooling. Additionally, a lack of awareness about agriculture’s benefits and lifestyle opportunities may be contributing to the labor gap. To address this, supporting agriculture programs in schools, offering government subsidies for agricultural courses, and providing incentives for rural living could help attract a skilled workforce back to the industry.
Christine:
The emissions reduction and carbon storage field is a huge conversation point at the moment and I think it will be both a challenge and an opportunity for the industry. Especially, in the rangelands, there are a lot of synergies between carbon farming, sustainable land management and livestock grazing. It is such an evolving space as well which I think is why it incites some hesitation and drives discussion among land managers. While the benefits and incentives will lead to more efficient and sustainable production in the long term.
Climate will always be a challenge for the industry. Looking back over my 8 years in agriculture, we’ve faced one of the worst droughts, to flooding and now we are experiencing a dry spell in the southwest of our region. In Far West of NSW, we do not have reliable rainfall periods, we take what we can get when it comes and manage our production systems around it.
Skilled labour is another significant challenge. I see how difficult it can be for landholders to get shearers, contract musters and staff generally. Retention of staff, inspiring the next generation and encouraging people from non-agricultural backgrounds into the industry will be an important step in the succession of the agricultural sector. A way we are trying to address this at Local Land Services is through the West is Best campaign, which is promoting both the professional and lifestyle benefits of the region. I can also see agricultural technology and innovation assisting to fill some of this void improving labour efficiencies.
Teagen:
With the divide between regional and metro cities getting bigger attracting young talent into the agricultural industry becoming more difficult as other fields gain more attention, but it’s essential the Ag industry along with universities, trade schools and high schools, collaborate to showcase the diverse opportunities available. Agriculture is no longer just about traditional farming; it now includes careers in technology, sustainable farming, biotech and data science. By updating curricula, offering specialized programs, and providing hands-on experiences like internships and workshops, the industry can help young people understand that agriculture is at the forefront of innovation and vital to solving global challenges like food security and climate change.
Which innovations or shifts in the industry excite you most? Are there technologies, practices, or ideas that you believe are changing the future of agriculture?
Jess:
I’m particularly excited about innovations that increase crop potential on the “gutless” sandy soils of the Mallee. It’s amazing how high-quality crops can be grown in such nutrient-poor, moisture-limited conditions. I’d love to see more trials of SE14 in Victoria—it’s a promising concept, but I want more data before drawing conclusions on its effectiveness here. I’ve also been following BCG’s NVT and nutrient trials in the Mallee, as it’s always valuable to see what holds up in the region’s tough conditions. The silicon trial at Walpeup, which aims to reduce drought and salt stress, has piqued my interest, and I’m eagerly awaiting the results.
Long coleoptile wheat, being trialed in WA and at BCG’s field site, could be a game changer for accessing deeper moisture in drier years. However, I’d like to see more trials across various soil types, rainfall zones, and environments. Advances in AI for Green-on-Green spot spraying, along with improvements in precision agriculture and machinery tech, are also exciting. These innovations could continue to streamline chemical and nutrient inputs, boosting efficiency, while long coleoptile wheat offers a potential to be a useful tool for maximizing productivity in low-rainfall areas and seasons.
Christine:
I think drone mustering will really come into its own in pastoral systems in the years to come. I am excited to see greater exploration of remote sensing data and how we can incorporate this into decision-making whether it be pasture or cropping systems. Biological wool harvesting is also another innovation that I am interested to see develop and be adopted in the fibre industry. Biological defleecing could really change the wool industry, assisting to reduce the costs and labour demand associated with shearing. I think there are still details to be figured out to make it more feasible for on-farm adoption, but the concept is exciting.
Teagen:
Innovations that particularly excite me is the expansion of precision agriculture which offers exciting possibilities for optimizing farm management through data-driven insights. With advancements in technology, we can collect and analyze vast amounts of data from various sources across a grower’s farm leading to more informed decision-making.
The growth of women entering the agricultural industry is not only exciting but also represents a significant and positive shift in the industry. This transformation is bringing fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and diverse approaches to problem-solving which are crucial for the future of Ag. In the past 7 years I’ve gone from often being the only female in the room to now having several female colleagues at many of the meetings I attend and it’s such an inspiring and encouraging shift knowing where the industry is headed when it comes to diversity and inclusion.
In your role, how do you help farmers to prepare for drought?
Jess:
I believe preparing farmers for drought involves two key elements. The first is agronomic practices that enhance soil moisture and retention, such as no-till farming, crop rotation management, selecting the right crop types and varieties, detailed farm planning, and a solid summer spraying program. Equally important is building and maintaining strong relationships. These connections give farmers and their families a safe space to talk and manage stress, supporting better mental health. After all, agronomy isn’t just about crop and plant health—it’s also about fostering relationships. Ultimately, the heart of any farm is the family that runs it, and their ability to weather challenges—both on and off the paddock—is a vital part of drought preparation and management.
Christine:
In my role with Western Local Land Services, I deliver group-based training and one on one advisory to assist farmers with improving the productivity and sustainability of their business. Through our grazing and property planning programs, such as the Improving Tactical Decision Making Program and Land Services Program, we provide the tools and information to help farmers better assess their pastures and livestock aligned with seasonal conditions. I am able to support decision making for rangeland businesses to be more resilient in dry times, but also capitalise on the good years. In a highly variable rainfall environment, farmers are constantly considering the feedbase and making decisions based upon feed they have on the ground. In drought conditions, we modify our extension to include discussions on trigger points for destocking, stock refinement and supplementary or containment feeding.
Teagen:
By offering a comprehensive support network for farmers, we provide advice, products, and most importantly a listening ear. Our support also reaches farmers’ families and our communities through financial sponsorships, donations, and volunteering of time. Practically, we deliver financial products along with agronomic and livestock advice to help farmers make the most of their resources, whether they are dealing with a tough start or a challenging end to the season.
Who do you rely on for support or advice?
Jess:
I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing people supporting me throughout my journey, and one of the most influential, besides my parents, has been Kate Wilson. Kate, an ex-agronomist who now farms with her husband Grant in Mallee, has been a mentor since day one. She’s guided me on the best courses to take, shared key tips and tricks, and is always there for a chat—never making me feel like any question is too silly.
I also rely heavily on my professional mentors, Craig Landwehr and Jack Flavel, both of whom have shown incredible patience with my constant calls and messages. I feel very lucky to have three mentors at different stages of their careers, each bringing a unique level of experience and expertise. It’s been a huge advantage in shaping my own path in agronomy.
Christine:
Coming to the NSW rangelands two years ago from a high rainfall environment, I relied heavily on the knowledge and support of my supervisor and colleagues in both the Buronga office where I am based and those in other offices around the region. Outside of Western Local Land Services, I was able to access the knowledge and support of NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development staff and rangeland professionals who have worked in the region for decades to help adapt my skills to the rangelands. Landholders have also been key to accelerating building my knowledge, western producers have shared their experiences, practices and innovations – this has helped shape my appreciation and delivery of my role.
Teagen:
I’ve found it important to rely on a mix of people for advice and support. I’ve been lucky to develop strong relationships within my organization, externally in industry leaders and clients. This has helped create a well-rounded support system to navigate challenges and situations I come up against.
What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the industry?
Jess:
I hope to leave a legacy in the industry focused on making a positive, sustainable impact in the agronomic space. I aim to drive innovation and promote sustainable practices while maintaining high levels of commitment and integrity. I strive to continually improve and set a high standard for myself and my growers. Additionally, I want to be an ambassador for rural mental health, demonstrating empathy and dedication to supporting my rural communities. Ultimately, my goal is to drive sustainable practices while being a positive ambassador for both agriculture and mental health, ensuring that the industry and its people are supported for generations to come.
Christine:
I hope that the knowledge and tools I have shared with landholders are utilised but also enhanced by improved research and innovation. I hope the next generation of farmers and advisers can continue to collaborate to see these initiatives continue to thrive. Ultimately, I would like my contributions to serve as a steppingstone for the future that enhances the resilience and productivity of the agricultural industry and the landscape we operate in.
Teagen:
I want people to know that you don’t need to grow up on a farm to be a valued contributor of the industry.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Jess:
The advice I’d give to my younger self—and to young women considering a career in agriculture—is to embrace new challenges and not fear failure. Failure is simply a step toward success. Be bold and take the leap—it could be the best decision you ever make.
Don’t let others’ expectations hold you back. If you want something, show initiative and go after it—you never know who’s watching or what opportunities you might create for yourself. It could even land you your dream job.
And always remember, the glass is never half empty, but always half full—stay positive and keep pushing forward.
Christine:
Be brave and persevere. My journey into the industry was not clearly defined, nor did it happen quickly. However, I would not change any of tangents or skip the challenges that I experienced along the way. The right job will find you eventually.
Teagen:
It’s ok not to know all the answers and learn as you go. Your skill set, determination and support network are often more than enough.
Find your advocates in the industry, great opportunities often come from those around you.
This project was supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
