A Word from the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator (April 2025)
We are excited to celebrate the success of our recent AgriWomen Connect workshops, held across the Riverina region from March 4th to 7th during NSW Women’s Week. This series united women from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn, connect, and grow through four unique workshops in Batlow, West Wyalong, Young, and Hillston.
Event highlights
Our workshops featured insightful presentations and discussions from esteemed speakers:
- Jess Reynolds (West Wyalong): Shared her expertise from Reiland Angus in Gundagai, renowned for high-quality genetics and sustainable farming. Jess manages the breeding programs, focusing on fertility, soundness, and carcass excellence
- Em Armstrong (Young and West Wyalong): Discussed community, connection, and movement through Saltbush Stretch. Em’s initiative offers yoga and Pilates to support rural women’s well-being. With a new headquarters, she’s expanding her reach and impact
- Sarah Curry (Young and Batlow): Shared her journey with Majors Mulch in Quandialla, producing eco-friendly garden mulch pellets from cropping by-products. Her venture began while seeking easier mulch options during pregnancy and has since flourished
- Carmen Quade (various locations): Provided practical insights on effective promotion strategies beyond social media and emphasized farm business skills. Carmen’s AgriFocused training business specializes in farm management, drawing from her experience in accounting, agribusiness, and local government
- Jenny Dwyer, Brittany Hicks, and Julie Roberts: Offered updates on Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc., highlighting community engagement and natural resource management. They discussed ways to get involved, even outside formal Landcare groups.
Speed talks from Local Land Services representatives
- Cherie White (Natural Capital Advisor): Spoke on natural capital and conservation efforts for the Greater Glider
- Hannah Brien (Senior Land Services Officer, Sustainable Agriculture): Presented the latest livestock management research
- Lucy Wright (Land Services Officer, Natural Resource Management): Focused on conservation efforts for the Malleefowl and Squirrel Glider
- Bella McGrath (Biosecurity Officer): Discussed biosecurity measures to combat feral pigs and pest animals
- Charlotte Thomson (Senior Land Services Officer, Sustainable Agriculture): Explained the implementation of electronic ID (eID) for sheep and goats
- Andrea Cashmere (Senior Land Services Officer, Western-Hillston): Highlighted the restoration of Sandhill Pine Woodlands through direct seeding.
Unique workshop activities
- Nature journaling by Lake Cowal
- Pilates by the vineyard at Grove Estate Wines in Young
- Seed bomb making demonstration in Batlow
- Paint and sip session in Hillston
What participants gained
Participants gained valuable knowledge in sustainable farming, effective business management, and community wellness. The workshops fostered networking and allowed women to share their experiences and insights.
Success and future plans
Thanks to the enthusiasm of attendees, the AgriWomen Connect workshops were a resounding success. We are committed to expanding this program over the next four years to empower more women in agriculture with the tools and support they need to thrive.
We want your input!
We welcome your suggestions for future events and locations in the Riverina. Your feedback is essential to creating impactful workshops that meet community needs.
Thank you for being part of the AgriWomen Connect series. We look forward to seeing you at future workshops!
Coming soon
Watch out for the next series between May and July: Soil, Stock, and Sustainability Workshops – Direct access to leading experts in soil science, livestock management, and sustainability.
These events are being supported by Riverina Local Land Services’ Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator Program.
This article was written by Jade Auldist. Jade is the Sustainable Agriculture Facilitator for the Riverina region, with Riverina Local Land Services. Her role supports farmers, industry and community groups (including Landcare Groups) to adopt new and innovative sustainable agriculture practices. Sustainable Agriculture Facilitators are supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
For further information on this article, please contact Jade at jade.auldist@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0473 055 466.
