Joined TWiA – too long ago to remember, but I was on the first gathering committee at Scottsdale in 1994

Location – East Parkham

Occupation – We run a beef property - have 100 breeding Angus cows and we have an ag contracting business with our son Marcus.

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? - Born on a dairy farm at Meander, shared dairy farming with Greig my husband for 22 years at Montana, Derby and Rushy Lagoon before we purchased Greig’s family farm here at Parkham.  Worked off the farm at Ashgrove and Fonterra.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? - . I value the friendships, learnings and connection made in my time with TWIA - it has been a big part of who I am today. The Marcus Oldham Leadership Program was the best thing I did and a turning point in my life with the decisions I made after the course. I would like to give back to the organization & agriculture some of the skills learnt in this time and support all agricultural women in all their endeavors.

Joined TWiA - I became a member in 2020 and joined the executive committee in 2021

Location - Beaupre Farm, Lymington, Tasmania

Regional Group - Southern Tasmania

Occupation - Clinical Epidemiologist/Evaluation Consultant and Goat Farmer

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? - New to farming. Returned to Australia in 2019 and are establishing our Boer Goat stud, accommodation business and gradually improving the soils on our 40-acre property using regenerative farming methods.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? - Being connected and inspired by rural women who are passionate about promoting the recognition and contribution of women in agriculture.

Joined TWIA – I became a member of TWIA and of the executive committee in 2022

Location – Police Point, Huon Valley, Tasmania

Regional Group – Southern Tasmania

Occupation – project worker in conservation and Indigenous land management and student of regenerative agriculture

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? – After moving to the Huon Valley my husband became an orchard manager at R&R Smith’s; however, my interest in agriculture began before these life changes. My background is in conservation and Indigenous land management; although, I see the clear connection between this work and farming on a regular basis. I have recently begun a Diploma in Regenerative Agriculture with Southern Cross University to further my understanding of these connections.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? – Learning from and connecting with strong and passionate rural women and getting to be involved in an organisation that provides opportunities for self-improvement and empowerment.

Joined TWiA – joined TWiA & the executive committee in Feb 2021

Location - Kayena

Occupation/ involvement in the Rural Industry? - I am not a producer, but I have recently been Team Leader for the Pacific Horticultural and Agricultural Market Access (PHAMA) Program. During that time, I came to appreciate the importance of agriculture to economies, community livelihoods and societal wellbeing.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? - TWIA supports women to network and encourages them to share knowledge and innovations, and importantly, supports women through difficult times & should continue and strengthen this role.

Joined TWIA - at the 2022 TWIA AGM

Location - Castra, North West Tasmania

Regional Group - North West

Occupation - I am a Rural Retail assistant, Utas Agribusiness student and work with my husband on our business, Bradford Engineering and Agriculture.

How did you become involved in the industry - I have always had a passion for agriculture, but became heavily invested in the industry when I ‘married the farmer’. We breed Poll Hereford cattle and are constantly trying to advance our regenerative and sustainable practices.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA - Networking with and learning from such a diverse range of passionate individuals who are also very proud to be a part of the agriculture industry.

Joined TWiA - Too long ago, I can't remember! 

Location - Sandford, Tasmania

Regional Group - Southern

Occupation - Principal Consultant at Optimum Standard

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? - I lived on a small family farm and worked for an apple export business before living and working on our own mixed horticultural and beef enterprise in the Huon Valley from 1990.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? - Connections with vibrant women who are passionate and proud of their roles in primary industry. I learn and gain energy from every member I meet. 

Joined TWiA – I joined TWIA in 2018 at the AGM and was Secretary in 2018, Vice-Chair in 2019 and Chair in 2020.

Location – Rowella, Tasmania

Regional Group – West Tamar

Occupation – My occupation is listed between being a Pharmacist and a Farmer depending on what paperwork I am completing!

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? – I grew up on a mixed farm at Nunamara in the North East of Tasmania and left the State when I was 25. My husband Carl and I operated a weekender farm at Carabost NSW whilst both working as Pharmacists in NSW. We returned to Tasmania 7 years ago and now farm Wilmores Bluff, a 500acre property in Rowella.

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? – I appreciate the connection of rural women and the easy-going attitude to life and the ability to pick up a conversation where it was left off. TWiA mentors and fosters these relationships and gives connection.

Joined TWiA - 2020 but this is my second time 

Location -  Perth, Tasmania

Regional Group - Midlands

Occupation - Registered Nurse and Midwife at LGH, Manager at Hagley Farm School

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? - I studied a Diploma of Agriculture and became a wool classer. I then continued my studies to receive a Bachelor of Agriculture. I have always wanted to be involved in farming and love rural life. 

What do you love about being a member of TWIA? - The friendships and networking. I love being an advocate for women in agriculture and being involved in the future of agriculture in Tasmania

Joined TWiA – I started with TWIA in 1985, with Quamby group.

Location – Since leaving the farm in 2020 I have moved to Youngtown. Our son and his wife have taken over our Angus cows and I still like to know how they are going.

Regional Group - I am lucky enough to be part of the Meander Valley group and love catching up with members new and old.

How did you become involved in the Rural Industry? – We started farming in 1989 at Bishopsbourne. We had a herd of Angus cows for beef breeding. We also cropped poppies, onion and Hemp seeds, fennel and dill for oil. We grew carrots, parsnips, Japanese squash and potatoes. Our son still farms at Westbury, but our farm was sold in 2020.

What do you love about being a member of TWiA? – Ensuring Rural Women are mentored and supported for any role they would like to pursue, in any way. Supporting rural women to be the best they can be.