Women’s forum all about agriculture

YOUNG people as agents of change is the focus of the New South Wales Women in Agriculture (NSWWIA) Country Conversations Forum to be held in Cowra over the weekend August 17 to 19.

“It’s often said that change is the only constant,” says NSWWIA organising committee member Maree McKay.

“In life and in business something is always changing and it is an accepted that the rate of change is increasing.

“So often the young ones returning to the farm or other businesses are agents of change in that business.

“During the symposium, four young people making a career in agriculture, either in farming, advisory services or research, will address this issue and enter into a conversation with the symposium audience about the opportunities and challenges of a career in agriculture, what their goals are for the future and how they hope to achieve them,” says Ms McKay.

NSW Woman of the Year 2012, Fran Rowe, is among the forum’s guest speakers.

Ms Rowe established a voluntary rural

Also speaking is Tess Herbert from Eugowra.

Besides being co-owner and director of three feed-lot businesses in central and southern NSW, Ms Herbert is on the board of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.

She is also participating in the Australian Rural Leadership Program.

State Department of primary Industry (DPI) climatologist, Michael Cashen, will discuss what has been learned about change and managing change from the climate-change issue.

The organising committee says the weekend isn’t just all talk.

Activities include visits to farms to see change in action and special social events.

NSWWA has expressed thanks to Cowra Shire Council for the support and assistance it has provided, and the DPI for providing the main venue, the Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Centre.

State Primary Industries Minister, Katrina Hodgkinson, will open the forum.

Mayor of Cowra, Bill West, will officially welcome guests and participants.

Further information at www.nswwia.org.au or call 0428 443515.