I grew up not far from Trish’s farm so as well as a fair but of parochial pride in her win, it shows just how integral she and other women like her are to our industry.
In some ways farming is ahead of the rest of society on issues like equality. Running a family farming business is a partnership and each member of that partnership contributes equally. Things such as childcare can be shared because different jobs on farm are done by different people at various times. One might have practical skills, the other intellectual but both are needed to succeed.
And it’s not just the usual male outdoors, female indoors split one might expect. A scan down our On Farm Story catalogue will show a high proportion of women leading the way out on the land. Agriculture has recognised this contribution and tailored programmes to reinforce the skills women bring to the industry. There are escalator programmes, networks and other organisations focused on, firstly, recognising the role of women then making sure that talent is nurtured and given every chance to succeed further.
Our industry needs to attract good people who want to make a career either on the land or affiliated to it. Discrimination won’t get us where we need to be. We’ve recognised that and appear to have the infrastructure in place to make sure worthy women are identified, nurtured and celebrated. So well done Trish, you’ve done farmers – and Taranaki – proud.
Bryan Gibson
