Two inspiring rural women from New South Wales, Jo Marshall and Miranda McGufficke, have been recognized as finalists for the prestigious NSW Woman of the Year awards. Their contributions highlight the evolving landscape of agriculture and the critical role women play in this sector.
Jo Marshall, the chief executive officer of the Australian Agricultural Centre, is a finalist in the Regional Woman of the Year category. Her initiative aims to cultivate the next generation of agriculturalists. The idea for the not-for-profit training centre was born over a decade ago while Marshall resided on a farm in Bigga with her two daughters. She recognized a growing need for skilled labour in farming, as local youths were migrating to urban areas in search of opportunities.
Marshall stated, “At the time, they couldn’t get workers on farm and the younger generation were leaving the area to find opportunities. I thought there was a need in this space.” The centre’s first course, a novice shearing school, launched during the challenges posed by COVID-19. Now, the centre offers excursions for school students alongside training programs for adults, particularly those aimed at empowering women with essential farming skills.
This week, the centre will conduct another novice shearing course, followed by chainsaw skills training next week. In a notable expansion, the centre will also deliver a course on artificial intelligence in agriculture at 12 locations outside of the farm. Marshall expressed her pride in providing a gateway for students to engage with agriculture and STEM fields. “It’s a space for students to derive a pathway into ag,” she said.
Additionally, Marshall emphasized the importance of the Women in Agriculture courses, which help participants build confidence and connect with others in the industry. “They also get that network; it can be isolating on the farm,” she added, noting that the social benefits of these programs have exceeded her expectations.
Another finalist, Miranda McGufficke, represents the younger generation as a finalist for the Young Woman of the Year award. Hailing from Cooma, she has a deep passion for the sheep sector and is committed to advancing practices through scientific approaches. McGufficke has pursued a Bachelor of Animal Science, specializing in genomics, which aligns with her family’s sheep operation, Greendale Merinos.
“I go home and we don’t talk about news or politics; we talk about sheep, that’s our table conversation,” McGufficke shared. She is actively leading efforts to integrate new technologies into their farming practices. Recently, she utilized her laptop in the shearing shed, illustrating her commitment to modernizing operations. “It’s about adapting with times, using what we have, the business metrics to get there,” she noted.
Currently, McGufficke is participating in a graduate program with an agricultural investment group, gaining experience across various sectors, including cattle feedlots and poultry. “It’s very different from what I’ve come from, but it shows it’s a big world out there,” she remarked.
Being named as a finalist has filled McGufficke with pride, as she sees it as an opportunity to encourage others. “I’m someone happy to pursue my passions behind the scenes, but if I can encourage someone with my involvement, I’m happy that what I love to do is seen as a benefit to others,” she stated.
The awards also feature other notable finalists, including Amy Riddle from Coffs Harbour, who is focused on reducing recidivism, and Jenny Worrell from Grafton, who co-founded a choir for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.
As the awards approach, both Marshall and McGufficke look forward to connecting with a community of remarkable women and sharing insights that could inspire further advancements in agriculture and beyond.
