National Farmers' Federation announced the next cohort of women selected for its Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program this week, which aims to fix the under representation of women in agriculture's leadership ranks.

NFF President Fiona Simson said applications received for this year's program confirm there is no shortage of female talent in agriculture and rural Australia.
"Furthermore, they represent a diverse range of agricultural industries such as feedlot management, animal science and machinery," Simson adds.

When the program began six years ago just 2.3 per cent of CEOs in agriculture were women and women made up only 18 per cent of senior managers. However, Simson said they were seeing transformational change across the industry with more women now in leadership positions and more also pursuing a career in agriculture.

"Results from the 2023-24 Women's Budget Statement shows 60 per cent of agriculture and environmental studies graduates are women and it is one of only two industries where female graduates earn more than their male counterparts," Simson said.

"Agriculture is leading the way and I could not be more proud.The key is keeping the momentum going as women progress through their careers.

"That's where this program fills a gap. It creates pathways for women to rise through the leadership ranks - pathways that previously didn't exist."

The 2023 program participants will meet in Canberra in this month to outline their goals, meet their mentors and hear from inspiring speakers, before graduating at the NFF's National Conference in October.

2023 program cohort:
Amanda Moohen - WA
Bron Christensen - QLD
Georgina Pengilley - NSW
Jaimee Manning - QLD
Jessica Knight - VIC
Kathleen Johns - NSW
Lucy Knight - NSW
Majella Nolan - QLD
Meridle Jackson - VIC
Naomi Wilson - NT
Stephanie Terry - TAS
Zarmeen Hassan - VIC