As a precision ag consultant, Jessica Koch is used to using the latest technology to analyse data and create maps for farmers looking to optimise their operations. But it was a program of a different kind that helped her create a map for her career – and the future success of her business, Breezy Hill Precision Ag Services.

Seven years ago, Jessica was a mum of two with a third baby on the way and a desire to build a business that would bring the benefits of ag tech and precision ag to local farmers. While she had the knowledge and skills to do the work, she felt she needed a little extra guidance and confidence before stepping out on her own.

That’s where WoTL’s Stepping Into Leadership program came in.

“I loved the idea of the course, but at 17 weeks pregnant with our third baby I wasn’t sure about the timing,” she says. “But within an hour or so of the first session starting, it was obvious I was in the right place. The timing was actually great, as I was able to put a lot of things in place so that by the time I was ready to grow the business, everything was ready to go.”

Growing up in Crystal Brook, with a grandfather and uncles as farmers and parents who both worked in precision ag and ag tech, Jessica was always drawn to a career in the sector.

Taking a gap year after school, she worked as a vet nurse with a view to becoming a vet, but pivoted to studying Agricultural Sciences at Roseworthy, SA, followed by a graduate diploma in teaching and learning.

“I loved the idea of teaching ag, but I also had a really keen interest in precision ag and ag tech,” she says.

After being offered ag teaching and agronomy jobs, Jessica took on a role with a John Deere Dealership. “That job and the involvement I had in precision ag groups and grower groups was where my career in ag really got going,” she says.

“I would still be there if I could, but we lived an hour away on a farm and were having kids, so I had to make a tough decision to leave and go out on my own.”

Stepping Into Leadership gave Jessica the confidence and skills to set the foundations for her consultancy.

“The training there set me up to be a better consultant. One of the main skills I needed was having the confidence to charge for a service, because I wasn’t selling products anymore, I was selling time and knowledge,” she says.

Facilitator Jeannette Long shared her consultancy experiences, and helped Jessica identify her skills, packages and points of difference.

“If you’re going to consult, you are the brand, you have to be able to sell your services and communication style and trust,” Jessica says.

“I needed to learn more about who I was to learn how I could do that confidently and unapologetically, and Stepping Into Leadership helped me figure that out.

“I had an idea about the types of things farmers might want around mapping services and things they might value, but it also taught me how to package these into deliverables, create a website and put something out there so people knew what they’re getting.”

The program’s mentorship was also invaluable. Jessica was matched with ag health and safety consultant Alex Thomas, who shared her experiences establishing a consultancy, and the two remain good friends.

Stepping Into Leadership has also given Jessica a deeper understanding of her personal skills, approach to work, values, and unique strengths.

“It helps you see what’s in you that you can bring out to support you in your career, your business, your life and your community work,” she says.

“Through my work, I know the value of data and analysis, but the course showed me how to apply that in my business and life decision making as well.

“It’s made me a lot better at saying no first up to the things that don’t serve me, but also saying yes to the right opportunities.”

In the seven years since completing the course, Breezy Hill Precision Ag Services has gone from strength to strength, now providing services to across SA’s Mid North, Upper North, Eyre Peninsula, Far West and even into Western Australia.

Using data and analysis, Jessica creates maps for growers looking to manage their cropping more effectively and efficiently, and assists in upskilling farmers to make better use of new technologies themselves.

Managing mixed-grain and fine merino sheep properties at Booleroo and Georgetown with husband Joe, she’s also able to apply her skills at home.

“I’m also working on a GRDC project at the moment with the newly-formed Red Hill Soils Focus Group to run some ag tech upskilling workshops in Red Hill,” she says.

“We’ll have a demonstration paddock and show how maps can be created, what soil testing can be done, and how that can be interpreted for decision-making.

“It’s great to see ag tech is more mainstream now. Farmers aren’t as scared to have a go with it now, and they’re really seeing the value in it.”

Hear more about Jess’s experience in the program, precision ag technology, and the role women play in ag communities, on her GRDC In Conversations podcast episode.

 GRDC have also committed to being Scholarship Sponsors for the next Stepping Into Leadership program. Applications for the 2027 program of SiL open September 18th and close October 18th. Find out more here.

Stephanie March wears many hats: farm business manager, health advocate, and passionate community leader. But her journey to this point hasn’t been an easy one.

As a busy mum of two, including a young son with a rare medical condition, Steph has had to navigate the challenges of rural life and healthcare access while also managing the demands of a growing family farm.

Starting her career as an occupational therapist, then a teacher,  Steph now leans into the idea that her career diversity is an asset to all spheres of her life. She’s using two decades of experience across multiple sectors to drive her passion projects and create business outcomes for the farm. But, of course, her days are never typical, as she continues to learn that personal and professional flexibility are the key to making sure she can ride out the challenges when they arise.

Above: Stephanie at the Stepping Into Leadership 2024 graduation

Realising her potential

And while Steph’s goal-driven personality has ensured her success in a range of fields, it was when she discovered WoTL’s Stepping Into Leadership program that she was able to realise her capacity as a leader – both on the farm, and as a rural health advocate.

“Working with Stepping Into Leadership has really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But in doing so, it helped me recognise and own the value I could bring not just as a farmer, but as an advocate and voice for positive change,” she says.

“I was a bit nervous attending my first WoTL event. I wasn’t sure I had the right experience to be part of an ag-based leadership program. But I’m so glad I took that first step and got involved.”

Steph has attended various WoTL events, and is also one of the most recent graduates of the successful Stepping into Leadership program.

“One of the key lessons I’ve taken away from WoTL is the importance of progress over perfection. I’ve been a goal-setter most of my life, which has at times held me back, being worried that my ideas or initiatives weren’t quite polished enough to put out into the world.”

“WoTL taught me that sometimes you just have to start, even if your idea is not 100 per cent ready. You can always refine and improve as you go. So that’s what I’m doing.”

Above: Stephanie presenting at the Thriving Women Conference in 2024.

Taking the next steps. 

It’s this mindset shift which has been crucial for Steph as she pursues her off-farm passion project, Merci Co- a community-focused initiative that aims to support and connect rural families navigating challenging health circumstances.

“As my husband says, Merci Co is the itch I need to scratch. It’s my way of using my own experiences, and the connections I’ve built, to make a real difference. Plenty of people have paved the way before me and made our family’s experience in the health system much easier, and now it’s my turn to do what I can,” she explains.

Through Merci co, an online blog and soon-to-be-launched website, Steph is not only raising awareness of the unique health challenges faced by rural people, but also advocating for improved services and community support. It’s a cause that is deeply personal, given the medical journey of her young son.

“Having a child with complex medical needs has been incredibly isolating at times. But the WoTL network has been a real positive for me. The women involved understand the realities of rural life, and they’ve encouraged me to use my voice to drive positive change – as many of them continue to do so as well.”

From the outside, we can see that change is already underway thanks to Steph’s persistence and passion, leveraging her leadership skills to secure a seat on key advisory committees at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. These positions provide a crucial rural voice and perspective that would otherwise be missing from those conversations.

“It’s about showing up, being brave, and making sure rural families have a seat at the table,” she says.

Above: Steph at home with the family.

Of course, balancing her advocacy work with the demands of the family farm business hasn’t been easy, but Steph credits the WoTL program with helping her find the confidence and strategies to juggle multiple priorities.

“Another thing WoTL taught me, was the importance of delegation and not trying to do everything myself. It’s helped me become a more effective leader, both at home and in the community. The Stepping into Leadership program has been a game-changer for me. It’s empowered me to step up, speak out, and create the change I want to see – not just for my family, but for all rural communities.”

Steph was a crowd favourite during the 2024 Thriving Women Conference held in Hahndorf in August this year, where she ran a Toolbox Talk on rural advocacy work – an area well known and passionately pursued by many rural women.

“It’s also really important to acknowledge my family, as our journey is a true team effort. We face challenges with positivity and gratitude, with each member playing their own vital role – whether that be on farm, in hospital or in the community. I’m continually both amazed and appreciative of all that my husband, daughter, and son do. We’re also deeply grateful to my mother and father in-law, who purchased and established the farm before we started here. Their ongoing support has been essential to both the farm and our growth—we wouldn’t be where we are today without them.”

Story Update: Congratulations to Steph, who was announced as a recipient of a 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant to continue her advocacy work. We love to see the impact our Stepping Into Leadership participants continue to make, read more here.