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National Farmers' Federation

Empowering people.
Elevating agriculture.

The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable agricultural sector. This unique initiative connects and empowers leaders to elevate their careers, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change within the industry. 

Focused on preparing participants for senior leadership, the program is tailored to suit the unique needs and schedules of those committed to driving positive change. Each year, a select group of 12 participants is welcomed, allowing for a personalised experience that hones individual strengths, supports career aspirations, and addresses key challenges in agriculture.  

The National Farmers’ Federation is excited to open applications on March 8th, International Women’s Day, inviting a new cohort of talented leaders ready to make their mark in Australian agriculture. 

Be a part of change.

Designed to support the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks and to make agriculture an inclusive industry for all by 2030, this program offers unique opportunities and new experiences for women who are looking to take their leadership to the next level. 

  • Attend a three-day leadership retreat in Canberra
  • Be mentored by an established industry leader
  • Develop personal and professional goals
  • Engage with industry influencers
  • Join an alumni network of peers across the country

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to women who are looking for the next step in their leadership journey and have a vested interest in the agricultural sector. Whether you’re working on the farm, in policy, or connected to agribusiness, we welcome applicants who are ready to make a difference. 

Applications will be hosted through our website, and we are committed to making the process accessible and inclusive for everyone. We’re here to provide assistance and ensure your application experience is smooth and supportive. If you have any challenges with writing or have any other needs, please reach out. 

For more information please contact Program Manager Bec Wilde (e) rwilde@nff.org.au (p) 6269 5627.

NFF Portraits 2024_10

Key dates

  • Applications open - 08 March 2025
  • Canberra Retreat - June 2025
  • Monthly online catch-ups - May to October 2025

Watch out this space for more details!

Diversity.

The NFF recognises that diversity is more than gender. Diversity includes ethnicity, cultural identity, religion, disability, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, education, socioeconomic background and more. We encourage women of all backgrounds to apply for the program. 

2024 Partners

This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of partners and their commitment to making meaningful change in representation across Australian agriculture. The NFF celebrates the most recent pledges and progress reports from partners here.  

Meet the Patron

Fiona Simson is a visionary leader shaping the future of agriculture. A farmer from the Liverpool Plains, Fiona was elected in 2016 as the first female President of the National Farmers’ Federation in it’s 40 year history. 

Driven by a passion to create more opportunities for women in agriculture, Fiona spearheaded the launch of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program in 2018 with a vision to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks. 

In 2022, Fiona stepped into the role of Patron. In this capacity, she provides strategic guidance to the program and is a champion for inclusion and diversity in agriculture. 

Fiona represents Australian farmers on the global stage as Director of the World Farmers’ Organisation for Oceania. She is also the Chair of the Commission for International Agricultural Research.

The Alumni

The NFF’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is building an alumni of skilled female leaders from across the country. The alumni consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skills sets, all with one thing in common – a vision for agriculture and a commitment to being a part of the sector’s growth. Graduates of the program have called the experience ‘life changing’. Explore the vibrant alumni community below. 

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024 Cohort

Amanda McClaren

Amanda is passionate about our farming future, so much so, she recently graduated with a Master of Teaching from La Trobe University in an effort to better understand the education system and advocate for stronger agricultural education at a secondary level in Victoria. Dedicated to regional development, community leadership, regenerative agriculture, and youth education, Amanda is a Board Director on the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Treasurer of the Victorian Association of Agriculture and Horticulture Educators and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Amanda McClaren

Becky Dickinson

Becky emigrated to Australia in 2006 where she then worked as a mixed animal vet in regional Victorian veterinary practices, with dairy cattle being her major focus. Recognising the increasingly challenging transition vet graduates have into clinical practice, Becky established an entrepreneurial business, Veterinary Support Services, in 2022. A highly motivated individual, passionate about the preservation and sustainability of our rural and regional veterinary services, Becky is currently working to establish a Steering Committee for the Sustainable Future of Rural Vet Services in Gippsland.

Becky Dickinson

Jenny Crema

Jenny Crema works proudly with her husband to grow bananas and sugar cane on their third generation farms in Tully, North Queensland. Jenny fully embraces life in her small rural town and loves nothing more than to volunteer her time with local sporting and cultural groups to promote and strengthen her community. A founding member of the Australian Banana Women’s Network, Jenny is passionate about celebrating the role of women in agriculture, especially within the Australian Banana Industry.

Jenny Crema

Lauren Langfield

2023 Young Winemaker of the Year, Lauren Langfield has spent over 14 years in Australian vineyards and wineries, focussing on sustainable wine production, regenerative viticulture and organic farming systems. Langfield is currently the General Manager and Head Winemaker for Orbis Wines, and in 2021 established her eponymous wine label, Lauren Langfield Wines. Originally from New Zealand, Langfield and her young family now call Adelaide home

Lauren Langfield

Meredith King

My name is Meredith King and I am the Sustainable Sourcing Manager for agriculture at McDonald’s ANZ. It is an exciting time to be a part of Australian agriculture and particularly the opportunity to grow our industry sustainably. We have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time to reach our 2030 goals and I’m really excited about the opportunities this affords for women in the ag sector.

Meredith King

Sarah Stevens

Sarah Stevens is the Sustainable Land Management Team Leader at Gulf Savannah Natural Resources Management. An accomplished project manager, her primary focus is on supporting producers to implement effective strategies that optimise farm productivity and profitability while simultaneously protecting and enhancing natural resources. Committed to supporting farmers to meet the challenge of demonstrating sustainability, Sarah bridges the gap between farm management realities and the sustainability goals of agriculture industry frameworks and natural resource management policies.

Sarah Stevens

Angela Hammond

I am Angela Hammond, a southwest QLD girl who grew up on a grazing property near Hebel and has followed a passion for Agriculture my whole life, working in some really interesting land management roles in QLD, the NT and NSW. I currently manage the Landcare Agriculture program for Landcare Australia where my passions for the environment and agriculture are a perfect fit. I believe our industry is at an exciting and pivotal point where land stewardship is being rewarded, celebrated and integrated into mainstream agriculture at an unprecedented rate.

Angela Hammond

Jenny Brown

As a policy specialist I use my strategic thinking and advocacy experience to foster policies that reflect Cotton Australia’s members’ needs as well as engaging with industry organisations and government. Professionally I’ve pursued roles that have explored the nexus between agriculture and the environment, co-chairing the cotton industry’s sustainability framework is a case in point. I’m looking forward to the professional growth that will come from being a part of the DiALP community of practice and, it enabling me to use my passion for agriculture as I make my own contribution.

Jenny Brown

Kelly Nankivell

Born and bred in country SA and raised on a mixed farming enterprise, I’ve always had a love for the agricultural industry, rural communities and community engagement. I am the Vice Chair of the Australian Lot Feeders Association Community Engagement Committee and outside of work, a Board Director for the Community Bank Keith & Districts, Branch of the Bendigo Bank and Chair of the Community Engagement Committee and the current Business Administration Manager based at Thomas Foods International Feedlot, Tintinara.

Kelly Nankivell

Madie Hamilton

Raised on a sheep property outside Mudgee NSW, Madie has built her career around fostering the leadership capacity of the Australian red meat sector through facilitating connections and opportunities. As the General Manager of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association, Chair of a not-for-profit company, and over 15 years of non-executive director experience, Madie is looking forward to expanding her leadership roles within the agricultural sector and contributing to its bright future.

Madie Hamilton

Ming Fung Chua

Ming, driven by a passion for sustainable food production and agrifood technology, brings a global perspective to her role as an Associate at Beanstalk AgTech. Originally from Singapore and Hong Kong, she is dedicated to empowering young talent in agriculture. Ming develops ESG and sustainability strategies, conducts innovation scouting, and leads WA AgTech Meetups. Her commitment to positive change in the agrifood sector shines through her work at Beanstalk AgTech, where she combines enthusiasm with expertise.

Ming Fung Chua

Wendy Hick

Wendy Hick has been involved in the beef industry for over 30 years. Wendy is a director of Bezuma Pastoral Company Pty. Ltd., a family owned and run beef grazing property which operates in several areas of QLD the NT and at times, NSW. Wendy’s interests include seeking improved telecommunications and connectivity literacy in rural and remote areas, advocating for equity in educational opportunities for geographically isolated children and looking at ways of supporting young people in ag.

Wendy Hick

"Having never had a mentor before, I hadn’t realised how invaluable it is to sit down with someone who is genuinely interested in your career and leadership goals. His guidance and experience have helped articulate my goals and given me the confidence to start my own freelance PR, media and comms business – a long held dream of mine."
Skye Ward
Skye WardBungendore, NSW
"The program has supported, developed, and strengthened my confidence as an industry specialist, consultant, and representative. It has placed me in a position to establish new and valuable professional relationships that have provided stepping stones to setting new goals and aspirations that will benefit my career and the sector."
Simone Cameron
Simone CameronKatherine, NT
"The greatest impact of the program has been meeting the cohort of amazing women from across Australia. Getting to know each other's challenges and skill sets has helped broaden my understanding, knowledge and leadership skills. It has been incredibly insightful to learn from the diverse group of women on the course."
Anna Playfair-Hannay
Anna Playfair-HannayForbes, NSW
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