Over the decades, HMLG have evolved together with changes in the Australian landcare environment and developments in technology. In recent years, HMLG have focussed more on the benefits of smart technologies, such as soil moisture probes, for improved decision-making and farm management.
Harden Murrumburrah Landcare’s Ladies on the Land group is empowering women to grow their agricultural knowledge, try innovative farming techniques, and build community resilience.
Finding field days attracted mainly men, Harden Murrumburrah Landcare launched Ladies on the Land allow women a space to learn, share ideas and build confidence. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the course, the group continued to grow and now meets once every three months as a Ladies on the Land group.
“Being a part of a group of women talking and learning about farming I just think is so, so important,” said Bronwyn Ryan of “Bonoak”.
Learning from experts, sharing ideas and mutual problem solving to help futureproof their farming enterprises are key focus areas for the Ladies on the Land group, and members say it is the willingness of the women to share both positive and negative experiences with different on-farm techniques that makes the group so successful.
By educating and empowering their members, Ladies on the Land is helping to grow women’s representation in agricultural politics and key decision-making processes. With women making up half of Australia’s rural workforce, supporting, engaging and providing opportunities for women in agriculture is critical for improving industry productivity and economic success.
Since its inception, participation in Ladies on the Land has now doubled, with more and more women eager to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the group and contribute to the sustainability of Australian agriculture.