Thursday, November 2, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Empowering Rural Women The Unsung Heroes Of Agriculture

Women are integral to the Burdekin’s agricultural and farming enterprises, contributing significantly to the growth and prosperity of rural industries. They play diverse and pivotal roles, challenging stereotypes that have persisted for too long.

Despite more than 40 per cent of the global agricultural workforce being women, the outdated "farmer's wife" stereotype lingers, undermining the substantial contributions of rural women in agriculture. Their impact is far-reaching, and their influence is essential for the growth and innovation of rural and regional communities.

Our women in agriculture feature in this edition highlights some of the achievements of local women who have made their bread and butter from working the land.

One example is the dynamic mother-daughter duo, Eileen List and Jenny Cook from Burdekin Growers Services. Their 30-year journey exemplifies the resilience and dedication required in this challenging and often undervalued industry.

Lisa MacDonald, Honeycombes’ Senior Service Advisor, plays a vital role in keeping farming machinery running smoothly, providing unwavering support to farmers during critical times.  And Brooke Tudehope from Dwyer Aviation Services has redefined the role of women in agriculture. She has become a qualified Agricultural Drone Pilot and actively participates in aerial agriculture.

These women and so many more represent a broader community of strong, capable, and innovative individuals who continue to shape the future of the agriculture industry. It is high time to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal roles women play in agriculture and empower them to achieve even greater success.

Read about the incredible achievements of local women in agriculture on pages 15-21

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