WORLD FARMERS ORGANISATION VICE PRESIDENT

Fiona Simson is a farmer from the Liverpool Plains in New South Wales, Australia. Together with her husband and her family, she runs a mixed farming enterprise, including broad-acre farming and grass-fed cattle. Ms Simson is a well-respected and influential voice in the Australian agricultural sector, advocating for the interests of farmers and rural communities at national and international levels. Elected as the first female President of the National Farmers Federation in 2016, she concluded her tenure in late October 2023. She is also Chair of the Future Food Systems CRC, Chair of ACIAR, a Director of One Basin CRC and the Vice President of NRMA NSW. In 2023 Fiona was elected to represent the Oceanian Constituency on the Board of Directors of the World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) and in June 2024, she was elected as WFO Vice President.

Cathy McGowan, a trailblazer in Australian politics, served as the Member of Parliament for Indi and notably, as Australia's pioneering female community independent. Her journey began as the founding secretary of Australian Women in Agriculture back in 1993, evolving into her presidency in 1999. Cathy has engaged in impactful work internationally, collaborating with women in agriculture across regions like PNG, India, and Ireland. Within Australia, her efforts have been extensive, particularly in supporting women within various sectors including wool, dairy, horticulture, cotton, and timber. Presently, she holds the esteemed position of Chair on the board of AgriFutures Australia and on her farm in the Indigo Valley in NE Victoria, she breeds dorper sheep.

ENTREPRENEUR, FILMMAKER

Leila is a dedicated entrepreneur, filmmaker, and passionate advocate for women in agriculture. Leila’s journey has taken her from fashion designer to rural teacher, and now to filmmaker. Ten years ago, Leila founded the nonprofit organisation Live Rural, which has raised over $60,000 annually through its event, "Mellow in the Yellow," to support the health and well-being of farmers and their communities. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her a place on the Young Farmers Advisory Council and the 2014 Emerging Leader in Agriculture award. Leila's commitment to the agricultural community shines in her latest venture, the feature film "Just a Farmer," released nationally in March 2024. Produced on her family’s farm in Ararat, rural Victoria, this film explores mental health and the vital contributions of farmers. It aims to shift perceptions and spark discussions about the realities of rural life.

RURAL PODCASTING CO

Kirsten Diprose is a communications and podcast business specialist who lives on a sheep and cropping property near Caramut, in south-west Victoria. Kirsten founded the Rural Podcasting Co, a podcast coaching and agency service, specifically for people in rural areas. She has experience in media, marketing and knowledge-brokering in agriculture, agtech and agricultural science, previously working for Deakin University and agrifood venture capital firm, Tenacious Ventures. Kirsten also founded and co-hosts a podcast specifically for rural women, called ‘Ducks on the Pond.’ Prior to this, Kirsten worked as a TV and radio journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in both regional and metropolitan newsrooms. You can still hear her as a regular co-host on ABC Radio Melbourne’s The Conversation Hour and as a regular guest on ABC TV’s News Breakfast.

CYNTHIA MAHONEY

Cynthia is a dynamic speaker, facilitator, coach, mentor and author. She’s an Agricultural Scientist and her expertise is in leadership and team development and sustainable high performance. She has a passion for helping leaders and teams thrive by applying techniques in personal disruption, neuroscience, positive psychology, courageous conversations, human performance and well-being. Her mantra, backed by the latest neuroscience research, is that happier, healthier and more human workplaces and lives lead to more elevated performance. She’s all about our people being sustainable in the long-run, and she’s determined to help leaders and teams achieve this. Cynthia’s first book, Cultivate – how neuroscience and well-being support rural leaders to thrive shares a compelling science-based case about how rural leaders can support themselves and their people to do well and be well at work.

LIVING COURAGEOUSLY

Juliane lives centrally located in the middle of nowhere on a large cattle property in Far North Queensland; she is 450km from Cairns, Townsville, Charters Towers or Hughenden. She and her husband raised four children there and are part of a family grazing business that spreads over 120 000 acres. She passionately believes that location should be no barrier to living an incredible life, by your design. Juliane's pursuit of success principles and effective leadership strategies started more than 20 years ago whilst in search of personal fulfilment and professional development for her existing businesses. After many years of relentless self-mastery, Juliane loves being able to tap people into their own personal innate gifts and apply simple and impactful success principles to their lives.

THE ULTIMATE FARM WIFE

Katja is widely recognised as "The Ultimate Farm Wife" through her podcast, YouTube channel, and social media platforms. Her mission is to empower farmers and farmwives with essential skills, practical advice, and insights on transitioning to farm life and successfully integrating into or returning to family farming operations. She works alongside her husband, on his family farms, Polldale Shorthorns (Dubbo) and Marrawarra (Nevertire/Nyngan). Our operations span 11,000 acres and include a diverse range of enterprises such as stud and commercial shorthorns, trade steers, pivot-irrigated lucerne, and various cropping activities. Additionally, They host an annual on-property bull and female sale, showcasing their commitment to excellence in livestock breeding and farm management. As a mother of three young children, Eddie (4), Mac (3), and Caroline (1), with a fourth child due before the end of the year, she understands the unique challenges and rewards of balancing family life with farming responsibilities.

AUTHENTIC AGVOCATE

Gillian is an authentic agfluencer with over 20 years experience in the beef cattle industry. Her background as a cattle producer from one of the most isolated areas of Australia gives her a unique perspective on the power and possibilities of social media in the agricultural industry. Her time spent serving on industry boards and committees at a local, state and national level has given her a deep understanding of all aspects of the industry that she loves.

BULLA PARK

CEO and MD of Bulla Park. Deputy Chair of the Australian Mushroom Growers Association, Non-Executive Director of Rowing Australia and Australian Certified Organic, Advisory Board Member Law Squared and Commission Member of World Rowing. Georgia began her career studying entrepreneurship at Babson College, Boston and RMIT, Melbourne. Shortly after finishing her University degrees, Georgia raised seed capital to found wine startup Lupé Wines in 2011. The company expanded quickly across Australia, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. In 2016 the company was acquired. Georgia is now CEO and owner of Bulla Park, Australia’s largest organic mushroom farm. She specialises in high-performance farming embracing the use of technology and innovation to achieve fast growth and scale in agriculture. Bulla Park has 60 employees over 2 farms in Victoria and is focused on creating clean food via environmentally clean agriculture practices. Georgia has spoken on global platforms such as the United Nations and G20 on topics within food security and sustainably. Georgia was awarded an International Nuffield Scholarship. Georgia was awarded Organic Female Farmer of the Year.

AGRIFUTURES HORIZON SCHOLARSHIP

Grace grew up on a broadacre property on the Yorke Peninsula. After school she started an Exercise Science and Nutrition degree. Despite this, I couldn’t get enough of like-minded, down to earth, country people! So she transferred to a Bachelor of Agricultural Science. She received an AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship sponsored by GRDC. The Horizon Scholarship has opened many doors with invaluable opportunities, networks and conversations. She has been fortunate to attend the scholarship summits in Cairns and Wagga, discovered emerging industries and involved in meaningful projects, which has enabled me to develop personally and professionally. By the end of 2024, I will have been exposed to agriculture in 6 Australian states and 4 countries, which I never thought would have been possible 3 years ago!

AGRIFUTURES HORIZON SCHOLARSHIP

Raised in Brisbane, Imogen’s passion for agriculture began when her parents bought a hobby farm in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD. Inspired by her father, who works in the agricultural commodities sector, she decided to pursue a career in agriculture. She has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Agribusiness from UQ and has started work in the pastoral sector at AAM Investment Group. She received the Agrifutures Horizon Scholarship in 2023, sponsored by MBCRC. From working at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm in the Kimberley, WA, to engaging in meaningful projects shaping the future of Australian agriculture, the experiences gained through the scholarship bolstered her self-confidence and ultimately deepened her passion for agriculture. Imogen’s passions lie in sustainability, innovation, and supply chain efficiencies.

FARMER, AG JOURNEY

Emily is a farmer, educational leader and mother based on Wiradjuri land in Central West New South Wales. Emily along with her husband and two children operates a mixed farming enterprise, with Emily’s focus being the enterprises white dorper ewe-lamb joining program and flock genetic improvement. Emily is strongly committed to supporting the development of and advocating for people, education and agriculture in her rural community and wider Australia. Emily has a passion for connecting Education and Agriculture and promoting an inclusive education system and agriculture industry.

GIPPSLAND JERSEY

Sallie Jones is the founder of Gippsland Jersey, a milk brand awarded as the best in Australia. In her dinner talk, she will share the startup story of Gippsland Jersey, and doing business competing in a space that’s dominated by the big boys. Growing up on a dairy farm in Lakes Entrance in East Gippsland Victoria. Sallie's journey embodies the spirit of "having a go," showcasing how she built a company infused with passion and resilience.

SHINE AT BUSINESS

Dianna Jacobsen grew up on a mixed farm in southern NSW and has spent over 30 years working rural families and businesses. She now lives on her cattle property in NE Victoria, and specialises in all aspects of business strategy, coaching and accounting for rural businesses, particularly specialising in farm succession planning.  Combining a background in accounting, financial planning, small business management, and personal empowerment coaching, Dianna works with families Australia-wide to preserve livelihoods and legacies through workable farm succession plans and strategic plans, which streamline their financial affairs and manage their money in a SIMPLE and empowering manner, combining debt reduction, business growth, tax planning and superannuation, relevant and customised to meet each family’s personal circumstances. 

DPIRD - Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Clare is a Development Officer with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD). She specialises in taking current research and developing it into accessible information for industry and farmers. With over two and half decades of experience in pastures and soils, Clare is recognised for her expertise in sustainable farming practices, applied research and helping landholders to understand how climate-smart practices may be incorporated into complex grazing landscapes. Her practical knowledge and understanding of  agriculture is supporting and driving progress towards more resilient and efficient grazing systems. She is passionate about supporting farmers to understand carbon and explore what is happening in this space. She is currently a member of the On-Farm Carbon Advice team, a program funded by PIPAP and DPIRD

NATIONAL FARMERS FEDERATION

Jen is a passionate, fifth-generation farmer from Gunning, NSW, working with her family to integrate new technologies into their wool and lamb enterprise. She has over 20 years working in the agriculture industry and holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics with Honours from the University of Sydney and a Diploma of Government. She has a wealth of experience driving large collaborative research investments in cross-sectoral issues across agriculture and the regions. Now at the National Farmers’ Federation, she leads the Regional Tech Hub, supporting regional connectivity. A leader in industry and community roles, Jen is an active executive member on numerous industry and community boards. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, is currently completing the Australian Rural Leadership Program, and is a mentor with SproutX and Cicada Innovations and an advisor to agricultural startups.

VICTORIAN FARMERS MARKETS ASSOCIATION

Sarah is the Executive Officer of the Victorian Farmers Markets Association.  She is the VFMA’s representative for the World Farmers Markets Coalition. Sarah holds a Masters in Agriculture and Rural Development and a Bachelor of Leisure Management. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, National Farmers Federation Diversity in Agricultural Leadership Program, and the Victorian Climate Smart Agriculture Fellowship Program. She has experience in executive and management roles in agriculture, extension and research, community development, and education including Children’s Services Manager, Milk Supply Manager, CEO of a regional RD & E organisation. Sarah has been a partner in an irrigated dairy farm at Undera, in the Goulburn Valley, since 2004

AGRIFUTURES AUSTRALIA

Annie has worked at AgriFutures Australia since 2018. In her current role, she manages the Export Fodder Research, Development, and Extension program, where she applies her skills to deliver a robust program of research to enhance and grow the prosperity of the industry. Annie has a background in animal science and a keen commitment to agricultural education. Holding a bachelor’s degree in animal science with Honours, she is now furthering her passion for education through a Master's in Secondary Teaching, specialising in Agriculture and Biology. Annie's dedication extends beyond academia into her community in regional NSW, Lockhart, where she collaborates with the community to support working parents in agricultural sectors by ensuring access to quality daycare and preschool services. She also volunteers as the President of the Lockhart Preschool and on a working group to develop and maintain a long-day childcare service for the area.

FARM SAFE AUSTRALIA

Stevi was hired as the Executive Officer for Farmsafe Australia in March 2020, to overhaul the brand and program services, bringing Farmsafe into the modern era to serve Australian farmers better. Choosing pathways that have helped her develop strong and creative problem-solving skills, her professional background includes working in the social services sector, marketing, local government, and a range of roles within agriculture. Stevi was born and raised in Alberta, Canada and has been involved with cattle and quarter horses from a young age. She now owns property in NSW where she and her husband breed and train stock and quarter horses and run a successful farm contracting business. With a BSc. in Psychology, Stevi is also a certified equine assisted learning practitioner.

AGCAREERSSTART PROGRAM

Tara Southwell grew up on a 5-acre property just outside of Canberra, where her passion for agriculture began. With a mother who taught Agriculture at school, Tara was exposed to the world of farming from an early age. She accompanied her mother to agricultural shows, trying her hand at alpaca and cattle showing. Attending cattle handlers camps further fuelled her interest in the field. But it wasn’t until 2023, when she had the opportunity to work on a sheep and cropping farm in Victoria through the National Farmers’ Federation’s AGCAREERSTART program, that Tara's commitment to the industry deepened. This experience solidified her passion for agriculture. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of New England, majoring in Animal Production. Tara enjoys exploring the agricultural system as a whole and hopes to build a career that not only supports young people entering the industry but also enables her to one day own land and establish a sustainable beef production business of her own

FLETCHER INTERNATIONAL EXPORTS

Melissa is a Kamilaroi woman from Moree now residing in Dubbo in NSW.  Melissa is a mother of 3 children.   Melissa is the CEO of Fletcher International Exports Pty. Ltd (FIE) a private 100% Australian family owned and operated Agribusiness, constructed from farm to processor and end-consumer model of integration for many of Australia’s most important agricultural products employing over 1200 people in Regional Australia. FIE is one of Australia’s largest sheep and lamb meat exporter, and is also Australia’s largest raw wool harvester, has large interests in farms for cotton, wool, grain, pulse production, lamb/ sheep breeding, and lamb feeding operations. FIE has spent more than 40 years building exports markets and now export to as many as 90 countries worldwide. Melissa is also the owner of an Events Business Smoked Garage in Fortitude Valley Brisbane, an owner and CEO of Fletchers Big Boomerang Logistics and a part owner of Native Secrets. Melissa is also the Chair of Australian Meat Processing Corporation and is current serving Board Director of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and a graduate of their flagship course Australian Rural Leadership Program.

FARM CREDIT CANADA

Tatum, a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan and the Director of Internal Indigenous Engagement at Farm Credit Canada. Since joining FCC in May 2017, she embraced various lending roles, and in December 2022, she became part of the Indigenous Financing Team as a Senior Relationship Manager. This journey has allowed her to connect deeply with Indigenous producers, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within Indigenous agriculture. As a 2024 Nuffield Canada Contemporary Scholar, she is excited to explore the resurgence of Indigenous People in Agriculture during my travels in 2024/2025. Before her path led her to FCC, she owned and operated a small fine dining restaurant on the West Coast of British Columbia for twelve years, where she also honed her skills as a certified Sommelier.

OUR MC, PECORA DAIRY

A big believer in challenging the status quo of farming in Australia, Cressida is an innovator and entrepreneur who supports the building of sustainable and profitable businesses to help protect national food security. Co-founding Pecora Dairy in 2011, Cressida has led the way with raw milk cheese, being the first cheesery in Australia to hold a raw milk cheese licence. Cressida is long-term advocate for small, family owned dairy farms. Particularly championing the building of strong brands, by working up the value chain. She is especially passionate about the advancement of women in business from RRR areas. Cressida is actively involved in her community. She is the 2020 Rural Women's Award NSW/ACT winner and National Runner-up and is a current Australian Rural Leadership participant. She is the State Chair of the AgriFutures alumni committee and sits on the board of Australia Women in Agriculture.

AWiA PRESIDENT

Nat Sommerville, lives and works on Ngadjuri Country in South Australia’s Mid North and current President of Australian Women in Agriculture. She is a farmer, mother, mentor and Wagadagam descendant of Mabuyag island of the Torres Strait providing a cultural lens to all that she does. Nat specialises in sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and First Nations engagement.