1. Why is it so important for women to hold leadership positions in the primary industry?

If women are participating within an industry then they should be represented throughout all levels of the sector. When I first began in the seed industry there were very few women with roles in the sector. Twenty years later that is no longer the case and in fact for the seed industry we are finding engagement from females not only on the increase but possibly superseding the males in some areas. Over the past two years all applicants for our seed industry scholarship have been solely from females. Our Women in Seed conference now supersedes our annual conference in attendance numbers. There are still challenges with female representation in senior management, executive and board roles throughout the primary sector but this is changing and will continue to evolve as women feel more confident that we can add value at all levels and are recognised for this.

1. What obstacles are there for women in agricultural roles, and how can we remove those obstacles?

Let’s be clear, having a family is not an obstacle to having a successful career in the primary sector. The obstacle is employers who don’t take a long term view to creating opportunities and therefore loyalty from female employees. We all know the cost to recruit is far greater that the cost to retain great employees even when taking into consideration some flexible years whilst creating a family. I was fortunate enough to have a fabulous employer in South Pacific Seeds whilst we had our three boys and they got 20 years of my service as a result. Employers have to consider the long game when it comes to attracting female talent within the industry as guaranteed they will be snapped up by more progressive industries if we don’t.

Have more transparent conversations as employees and employers. As a female in the primary sector don’t be afraid to ask your employer how the company may accommodate your role when you have a family. Whilst these conversations can be awkward and hard to have better to know now that you’re working for an employer that has a progressive view to finding solutions around biology than to waste years with an employer that won’t support you.

1. What advice would have for women who are wanting to rise through the ranks, and advance their career in agriculture?

Someone once said to me to marry well and whilst I guess that still stands true I think the relevant essence of it in today’s modern world is more around having a strong support network around you. Support to manage the many hats you may wear in particular if having a family is one of those, but also professionally.

Use your professional smarts in your personal life and find creative solutions. To deal with school holidays a group of 4 other Mums and I are each going to have all our kids on one day of the week. It then means that over the course of the holidays I only need to take two days of leave and get 8 days of care for the kids free of charge!

Seek out like minded individuals, female or male, through business events, mentorships, networking opportunities and grow your professional village.

I don’t believe in work life balance as feel this is just another unachievable target which adds pressure to already overloaded females. Instead I believe everything has its season and the balance will ebb and flow throughout the week and the year. Focus on enjoyment – and having overall satisfaction throughout a week or year rather than trying to juggle it all.

As told to Claire Inkson