For more than 200 years women have played a pivotal role in the growth and sustainability of Australian dairy.
But it hasn't been until the last two decades that they have stepped up into visible leadership roles in the industry where they make up a third of the dairy workforce.
Dairy Australia board director Tania Luckin said while women had always been involved in dairy farm businesses, it was the recognition of women in those businesses that had changed and grown.
"Women have taken on more leadership roles in the last 25 to 30 years so they are gaining recognition of what they bring to the industry," Mrs Luckin said.
Belmore River dairy farmer Sue McGinn echoed Mrs Luckin's sentiments saying women were now being seen in leadership roles within the industry after becoming business partners on farm.
"Leadership isn't only about being a chair of an industry group but it's demonstrated on farm in the family dairy business," Mrs McGinn said.
Mrs McGinn, runs a dairy near Kempsey with her husband Brett, and was at the forefront of women in dairy leadership in the late 1990s where she spearheaded the inaugural international women for dairy forum at the Sydney Convention Centre in 2000. This along with a Nuffield Scholarship in 1999 contributed to her earning an Order of Australia Medal.
"Back then women were mostly seen as farmer's wives but it's been pleasing to see in the last 20 years the industry increasingly recognising women on farms as partners in the family business," she said.
Dairy NSW chair Jane Sherborne said it was easier for women to get into dairy these days.
"In the past it was a male dominated industry but the culture has changed," Mrs Sherborne said.
She said there was now a strong women in dairy movement across the state like the annual Bale-Up conference, a flagship event which attracted around 100 women.
"It's a celebration of women where they can get together and talk about issues in a supportive network," she said.
Shaughn Morgan from Dairy Connect said according to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2016 census data around 30 per cent of the dairy workforce were women.
"They are engaged at all levels within the life of their dairy farms, from ensuring a strong family bond, to a sustainable and profitable dairy farming enterprise, as well as leading the way for their agricultural industry," Mr Morgan said.
"The future for women within dairy remains strong for the current and future generations of dairy farming women."
Journalist based on the Mid North Coast for The Land.
Journalist based on the Mid North Coast for The Land.
