WA’s Sarah Woolford and Mary Raynes selected to take part in NFF’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program

The two WA women selected to be part of a prestigious leadership program believe it is “critical” women and people from a range of backgrounds have a seat at the table for the agricultural industry to achieve its goals. York’s Sarah Woolford and Perth’s Mary Raynes are among the 12 passionate women selected across the country as the 2022 cohort for the National Farmers’ Federation’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program. A highly competitive process, the pair were selected from more than 120 applicants, with NFF president Fiona Simson saying they were “spoilt for choice” when it came to female leadership talent. The duo bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the program, with Ms Woolford the Australian business development manager for Farmers Business Networks and Ms Raynes the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre’s barley markets manager. NFF president Fiona Simson said the mentoring and networking program targeting the under-representation of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks — which is in its fifth year — provided a pathway for women to “rise to the top” of the industry. According to statistics from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency for 2018, just 2.3 per cent of chief executives in agriculture were women, and women made up only 18 per cent of senior managers, Ms Simon said. “We set a goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership positions by 2030,” she said. “Logically, the equal input from women in the leadership ranks of agriculture is at the heart of the sector’s continued growth and vibrancy.” Ms Woolford said ensuring there was representation of diverse cultures and backgrounds in agriculture was “critical” for the industry to remain sustainable for future generations and was honoured to play a role in achieving that. “I am extremely surprised and excited to be part of such a high calibre of women who are amazing and inspirational in their field of work,” she said. She said woman had the ability to offer a different perception and insight into decisions and the broader industry. “The agricultural industry has a goal of reaching $100 billion by 2030 nationally, this will take an enormous effort by all members of the community across Australia,” Ms Woolford said. “As a nation we can deliver on this goal but it will take all backgrounds, cultures and members of society. “Women from all cultures going forward need to have a seat at the table.” Ms Raynes, who grew up on a grain growing farm in the Wimmera region of Victoria, said it was “really exciting” to be able to come together with women from all areas of agriculture and learn from each other. The grain marketer believes there is “a lot to love” about the industry and it was important women were supported and thanked Ms Simson for her “vision” to increase diversity and carve a pathway for women. “The agricultural industry and a lot of other industries have been dominated with a lot of male leadership,” she said. “There are a lot of women in ag and they offer different perspectives, different insights and are often incredible at problem solving. “It’s important women feel supported equally and equitably in any education and work they do.” The program is made possible by 33 industry partners, who are making transformational inroads towards more gender-equal workplaces and leadership teams. Partners are also leading a conversation about other areas of diversity, including how agriculture can be more inclusive of diversity of cultures and background, Australians with disability, and those who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community. The group will come together in Canberra on June 16-17 for an introductory retreat before embarking on a four-month mentoring program finishing at NFF’s 2030 Leaders’ Summit in October.