Latest News | WoTL

New faces join the WoTL Board of Directors

by Kim | Feb 6, 2024 | Board, Latest News

WoTL are excited to announce the appointments of (L-R) Joyce Ceravolo, Emily Mellor and Han Worsley to the WoTL Board of Directors.

Ms Ceravolo, a fourth-generation apple producer in the Adelaide Hills, brings a wealth of expertise and experience in many areas including business development, leadership, strategic planning and governance to the Board. She has extensive Board experience as the current President of Fruit Producers South Australia, is a Board member for Food SA and the Chair of the Next Generation Committee, an initiative of the South Australian Produce Market.

She resonates strongly with WoTL’s mission to empower and elevate women in agriculture.

“I am deeply passionate about WoTL’s mission, centered on empowering and elevating women in agriculture which resonates strongly with my personal and professional values,” says Ms Ceravolo.

“By joining the WoTL Board of Directors, I aim to further the organisation’s objectives by advocating for the rights and interests of women in agriculture. I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, where every voice is heard and every woman in agriculture is supported.”

Ms Mellor brings over 20 years’ experience working within both State and Commonwealth Government departments across a broad range of primary industries including fisheries, aquaculture, water, forestry, biosecurity and livestock. Her skillset includes project management, policy development and analysis, stakeholder engagement and extension, strategic planning, grant administration and governance. As a beneficiary and participant in a number of WoTL events and programs, she understands the impact and reach WoTL is achieving.

“I’m excited to be giving back to an organisation that supports women to thrive in their chosen field”, says Ms Mellor.

“I have always been passionate about inspiring women in agriculture. I have also been a beneficiary of the Stepping into Leadership Program and am pleased to be able to continue to contribute to this great initiative as a mentor and alumni member.”

Han Worsley lives in the Snowy Mountains of NSW. A passion for gender equality and education opportunities in rural Australia was Han’s motivation to get involved with WoTL and help improve national program reach. Han was the CEO and Executive Director of Country to Canberra, a not-for-profit empowering young rural women and non-binary people to reach their leadership potential.

“The mission and values of WoTL speak to my passion for gender equality and RRR communities, which I have held since growing up on our mixed grazing property north of Nullamanna, NSW, and experiencing first-hand the challenges and triumphs of women in agriculture,” said Han.

“I am eager to bring my own experience and skills as an emerging Director to a Board that aligns with my values and learn from those more experienced. After first connecting with WoTL as a Toolbox Talk Presenter (at TW2022) I have followed the organisation and see the potential the WoTL network has to expand and grow.”

Thank you, Yung!

WoTL thanks retiring Director, Yung Nietschke, for her valuable contribution over the past three years, expertly guiding the organisation through its recent expansion.

“Ms Nietschke’s considered and intelligent perspective always brought great insight to discussions”, said WoTL Chair, Susie Green.

“Her extensive experience working with women and girls right across the world, in program development and managing large-scale projects has added enormous value.

“We wish her all the best for her future endeavours.”

Meet our Board

Highway women come together for first WoTL event

by Kim | Jan 30, 2024 | Events, Latest News

In early November 2023, women from townships along South Australia’s Mallee Highway came together for WoTL’s first event in the region. Organised by WoTL Ambassador and Stepping into Leadership alumnus, Fiona Woolfitt, participants from the localities of Geranium, Jabuk, Peake, Sherlock and Moorlands took some time out to learn and connect through participation in a morning crop walk.

Guided by independent agricultural consultant Jeff Braun, the group carpooled around the region viewing crops in the area. Many farms visited were those of participants.

Discussion topics included the suitability of different varieties more commonly sown in the area, different management techniques used and the challenges and successes of the current season.

“Jeff’s extensive knowledge of the Mallee, including land management practices, was incredibly insightful,” said Fiona.

Of particular interest was past land management practices and how this has resulted in Mallee Seeps, areas found in the low swales of sand dunes where the water table is coming to the soil surface, and what measures are being taken to help minimise the risk.

Participants also looked at the complexity of the cropping cycle and the planning involved.

“The planning process is much more complex than it first appears and considers many factors including the crops sown in the past, present and future, fertiliser and sprays applied. All these factors impact the crops that can be sown in the coming years,’ explained Fiona.

“It was very clear how valuable it is to engage an agronomist!”

The event armed participants with valuable knowledge to support them in providing input to assist with decision making in their own farming businesses.

As an introductory WoTL event, Kim Blenkiron, WoTL Executive Officer provided a brief overview of how the organisation works to support and assist women connected through agriculture.

WoTL thanks the property owners for access to their farms to be able to run this event.

Interested in becoming a WoTL Ambassador in your region? Get in contact with us and let’s have a chat.

This project was supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies and the South Australian Government.

TW2024 Conference Team announced!

by Kim | Jan 24, 2024 | Latest News, Thriving Women Conference

WoTL is pleased to announce the organising team for the Thriving Women 2024 Conference to be held in Hahndorf, South Australia, from August 12-13.

Toni Duka has been appointed as Conference Convenor. Hailing from the Limestone Coast, Ms Duka has a passion for supporting regional women. Her ability to build rapport quickly together with her high level of enthusiasm will bring great energy to the role.

“’I feel honoured to have the opportunity to convene this incredible event. The conference team is a fabulous group of women who are passionate about maintaining the well-earned reputation of Thriving Women and bringing an inspiring event together. The team bring a wonderful range of experience, knowledge and strengths to the table which is sure to set a strong foundation for creating a meaningful and impactful event.”

The full 2024 Thriving Women Conference Team is:

Toni Duka – Conference Convenor

Sally Klose – Program Manager

Claire Fuller – Operations Manager

Lucy Morphett – Delegate Manager

Jo Powells – General Committee Member

Lucy Blenkiron – General Committee Member

Kelly Will – General Committee Member

Visit Thriving Women

SA’s peninsulas host June events

by Kim | Aug 31, 2023 | Latest News

June was the month for WoTL bus trips with groups gathering on both Yorke and Eyre Peninsulas to enjoy an interactive day out in great company, discovering some of the goings-on in their own backyard.

The upper Eyre Peninsula participants tackled an early start to make the trek across to Poodra Springs, a native flower farm owned by past Stepping into Leadership graduate, Jasmin Piggot. Jasmin spoke to the group about the challenging landscape on the eastern Eyre Peninsula, where she and her family farm, and explained how she has managed to diversify their enterprise – and indulge her passions – by developing a native flower farm despite the harsh weather conditions.

Lunch was served in the stunning space Jasmin has designed for events held at the farm, before the group jumped back on the bus and headed further up the road to Lucky Bay. It was here they were treated to a tour of T- Ports, discovering the inner workings of the grain storage and transport facility and spending some time on board ‘Lucky Eyre’, the vessel which transports grain from the port to be unloaded onto deep water vessels waiting out at sea.

“We were so lucky to have the opportunity to get on the boat. It was fascinating to see the inner workings of it all, especially as many families deliver their grain here. I dare say some of the men would be envious!” said organiser, Cathy Paterson.

Dust To Dahliahs Poodra Springs Eyre Peninsula Bus Trip June 2023 6

Dust To Dahliahs Poodra Springs Eyre Peninsula Bus Trip June 2023

Dust To Dahliahs Poodra Springs Eyre Peninsula Bus Trip June 2023 7

Dust To Dahliahs Poodra Springs Eyre Peninsula Bus Trip June 2023 15

Over on the Yorke Peninsula, WoTL Board Director and Ambassador, Leanne Pridham, hosted a day of connection and discovery, leading a local group of women on a busy and delicious day out learning about some of the amazing local businesses on the southern Yorke Peninsula. The first stop on the bus trip found them at Lower Yorke Seafood where Joanna Rowe took the group on a tour of the facilities, showing them some of the livestock and offering a tasting of the finished product.

The group then made their way to Warooka where they toured the Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat and enjoyed a ‘healthful, whole food experience’ sampling the flavours of Southern Yorkes, thanks to chef Jo Minks of Nourished by Jo. A meditation and mindfulness session followed lunch, with a focus on how we can promote our everyday wellbeing through movement and connection, encouraging conversation and demonstration amongst the group.

“It was just such a great day out to connect with other women in the region. WoTL offer great opportunities to come together with like-minded people, be inspired and have the chance to talk informally about all things topical in our own lives”, said Leanne.

The final stop was the Watsacowie Brewery, where owners Brendan and Roxanne Phasey shared their story of their business growth as the group enjoyed an afternoon tea and tour of the facilities.

Connection in community is vital to the continued wellbeing of women in agricultural regions, and it is the pleasure of WoTL, with support from our funding partners and growing Ambassador network, to facilitate these events.

For more upcoming events held by WoTL, visit our events page.

NSW hosts sell out Thriving Women 2023 Conference

by Kim | Aug 17, 2023 | Latest News, Thriving Women Conference

You can now listen to back to ABC NSW Country Hour, who broadcast from the Thriving Women Conference on Day 2.

LISTEN BACK

The highly anticipated Thriving Women Conference was held from 13 -15 August in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, the first time the event has been held outside of South Australia. Hosted by WoTL, the program featured an impressive lineup of presenters including high-profile keynote speaker Leigh Sales AM (pictured).

A sell-out event, over 200 delegates gathered at Charles Sturt University for two days of insightful, thought-provoking, and inspiring presentations and networking. This year’s conference theme of Growing and Inspiring Women Connected Through Agriculture focused on the critical role women play in primary production, natural resource management and rural communities.

Leigh Sales gript the audience with her highly engaging and down to earth discussion focussed on the importance of storytelling. The award-winning author and journalist shared many insights into her personal and professional career with many stories resonating strongly with the captivated audience

Olympia Yarger, CEO of Canberra based waste management technology company Goterra, and Jane Cay, Founder of online fashion business, birdsnest, were also featured in the program.

Yarger, the 2023 ACT Australian of the Year, shared a high energy presentation about her innate love of farming and broad life experiences and how it paved the way to building infrastructure to solve the food waste crisis on a global scale.

Cay, who hails from the Monaro, shared her experiences running an online fashion store in a rural town where she now employs 150 locals. Her passion to cultivate a workplace that draws people from the city to the country has led birdsnest to feature twice in the Top 10 Places to Work in Australia.

Common themes from all three diverse presentations included the importance of kindness and authenticity.

An important component of the Thriving Women Conference Program was the five “Toolbox Talk” sessions run across the two days. Each session offered delegates a choice of three concurrent presentations to select from, most suited to their needs.

“From sharing real and raw experiences of a business start-up, to managing on-farm finances, farm safety awareness and tip and tricks to becoming a better leader, all presenters were well versed in the realities of women living and working in agricultural communities,” explains Thriving Women 2023 Conference Co-Convenor and Booligal farmer, Sandra Ireson.

“Conference delegates all have a connection to agriculture, whether they be farmers, provide an agricultural service, live on -farm or in an agricultural community or have a passion for supporting rural women and we wanted to make sure we covered topics that would be relevant, inspiring and thought-provoking.”

“This event had impact on rural women who travelled from throughout NSW to attend, and also from across Australia.”

Chairperson of WoTL, Susie Green, understands the impact of this event.

“WoTL was established in 2017 with a mission to grow and inspire women in agribusiness. After delivering three successful conferences in South Australia, where feedback from participants has been consistently and overwhelmingly positive, WoTL is thrilled to have had the opportunity to bring this event to New South Wales”, explained Green.

“Rural women play a critical role in our vision of a thriving agricultural industry. Events like Thriving Women provide a unique opportunity for rural women to invest time in themselves and their own development in a supportive environment.”

Thriving Women brings together people connected through agriculture and has been run in South Australia in 2018, 2020 and 2022. The event was held in NSW for the first time in 2023.

The Thriving Women 2024 Conference will be held at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre, Hahndorf, South Australia from the 12 – 13 August 2024.

More than just dirt! Our living soil

by Kim | Jun 7, 2023 | Latest News, Uncategorized

Recently, PIRSA Research Scientist Amanda Schapel presented a free webinar on soil health. Whilst not a topic that everyone will engage with immediately, the presentation, “More than just dirt – our living soil” is presented in an easy to understand and engaging way.

You can view the full Powerpoint presentation below or re-watch the Zoom recording.

DOWNLOAD PDF

REWATCH

It’s more than just dirt!

Dirt is a mix of gravel, sand, silt and clay but add organic matter, air and water and you have soil. Soil is fundamental for everyday life and 95% of our food comes from soil. A healthy and functioning agricultural soil sustains biological activity, maintains environmental quality, promotes plant, animal and human health, and is productive, resilient and profitable.

Traditionally, soils have been assessed on a single function, namely, plant yield or productivity. This focus ignores that healthy systems incorporate several soil benefits. Key functions that agricultural soils provide:

Productivity – growing biomass for food, fibre and energy to create a productive and efficient system.
Nutrient cycling – supply of nutrients to plants and microbes through decomposition of organic matter or mineral sources.
Water circulation and storage – the ability to capture all the rain in the system through good infiltration and store it where the plant roots can access it.
Soil biological organisms – optimised activity and diversity leads to more efficient and resilient systems.
Greenhouse gas mitigation – long term storage or sequestration of organic carbon whilst maintaining other soil functional benefits.

To be able to establish your farms natural capacity, you need to know your soil and any climatic limitations. Characterising your soil starts with assessing the soil texture at the surface and down the profile. Look at the soil colour and smell as it can tell you many things, record the depth that roots have grown, this can point out any restricting layers that can constrain productivity. Use a field pH test kit (available from most hardware shops) to determine if your soil is in the range for nutrients to be available and support biological activity. Use guides or benchmarks to establish reasonable goals for your soils, rainfall and production system.

You can then assess the function of your soils by monitoring a range of chemical, physical and biological indicators. Utilise the tables that outline some tests and assessments for each of the five soil functions. Monitor and record over time in the same locations.

In summary

Assessment of a soil’s functioning ability starts with:

Defining what soil health and function is for the situation
Identifying the soil type and its limitations
Understanding what can be changed and what can’t
Modifying the expectation, management practice or soil
Monitoring key soil, plant and economic attributes to measure soil function
Reassessing the system – is it working?

There is no bad soil type, we have the soil we have, and the challenge is to identify the management activities that suit the soil texture, rainfall and production system.

Be realistic about the natural capacity of your soil. A sand in a low rainfall zone should not be compared to a loam in a higher rainfall. As much as we may like to have the same capacity as a different soil texture or region, establish expectations and work towards management or practices that can optimise what you have.

Maintaining ground cover as long as possible is one of the most important soil health activities. It provides a source of organic matter and modifies surface conditions (moisture and temperature) that affect decomposition and release of CO₂ back to the atmosphere.

This article has been prepared as a part of a project supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and Landscape Board levies.