Wahine doing the mahi

It struck me while putting together the fantastic stories for this year’s Cream of the Crop, covering the Dairy Industry Awards regional winners, how thrilled I am that so many women have been entering and winning awards in the sector.

Not because I think they are better than the men or more likely to put themselves forward for awards, but because of the power of role modelling these women now have to other young women.

In what other industry do women have so much potential to show career growth, equity growth, skill growth and the ability to set themselves and their families up for a secure and well-paid career and lifestyle?

Their success has nothing to do with the family they were born to, the school they went to, the clothes they wear or their social media profile. They have got to where they are from being open to a challenge, embracing hard work, turning up day after day, upskilling themselves, showing initiative and taking opportunities when they come up.

For the first time we are seeing women on their own winning share farmers of the year awards, young women and single mothers forging a path in the industry and winning awards with employers who are willing to help them be the best worker and mother they can be.

This is the message we need to capture and spread around other young women, and of course young men too, in our cities, towns and schools.

The other thing that gives me hope in the industry is the number of people talking about work/life balance, of time away from the farm, the proliferation of much more workable rosters, and systems for working that take into account the wellbeing and resilience of staff and understanding the unsustainability of working long hours day after day.

Tired and exhausted staff don’t work well, they make mistakes and are a health and safety risk.

Life is about change, and change for the sake of sustaining your people and your business is a good thing.

We are about to undergo a change here at the Dairy Exporter magazine, moving to two-monthly delivery of larger magazines. We will deliver more of the same great content, with more in-depth industry and global value chain insight to keep you informed – and you get longer to read it!

For new subscribers we are offering the opportunity for you to power into your business and career with an all-electric UBCO bike – and enjoy the fuel savings as you ride into a great dairy future. Of course our valued subscribers can opt in to win as well – see info page 8.

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