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Jessica Knight successful first-generation Gippsland farmer urges more women to leave office work and join agriculture

Jessica Knight defied career expectations by pursuing farming over office jobs. As a first-generation farmer, she navigated challenges, advocated for agriculture, and promoted women's leadership.

By news@gippsland - 7th March 2024 - Back to News

When Jessica Knight asked her careers councillor for inspiration, they said go to university and get a nice office job. Pulling on her gumboots and heading to the calving sheds, her chosen career couldn't be further from their advice, and she loves it. Jessica followed suit with the advice of her school careers counsellor, completing a law degree at university. "I was told 'girls don't age'," she said.

Jessica cherishes farm life, embracing challenges as a first-generation farmer, urging women to join agriculture with supportive mentors ahead

Jessica's farming journey

After university, Jessica married a farmer and in the heart of Stratford's serene countryside they embarked on their agricultural journey from the ground up as first-generation farmers. Their property spans across 120 hectares of irrigated land with a herd of 550 cows, made up of a three-way cross consisting of Jersey, Holstein and Scandinavian Reds.

"We purchased our farm just a year prior to the milk price decline, followed by a relentless three-year drought. I saw how important it was for farmers to represent their industry during these difficult times," Jessica said.

Despite having three young children and being less involved in the farm's daily operations, Jessica wanted to do more. "Being able to take on positions that fitted around our farm and family was important to me," she said.

Jessica's leadership journey

Jessica's legal background might not fit with the stereotypical image of a farmer, but she says it's provided a good foundation to leverage her skills in agricultural leadership. She serves on the boards of GippsDairy and the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and is an active member of the Rabobank Client Council. She's also recently completed the National Farmers Federation Diversity in Ag Leadership program.

"There are now many opportunities for women to take steps into leadership. The mindset has changed, it used to be that women didn't see being on a board or committee as an option but now there are women paving the way for others," she said.

Unlike her own journey, where agriculture wasn't seen as a viable career path for women, she is grateful that girls in school now have the chance to explore agriculture. "I'm excited to see the impact these future female leaders will have on shaping the future of farming," she said.

Embracing agricultural

Jessica adores farm life and, as a first-generation farmer, has embraced both the challenges and opportunities that have come her way as she has carved a place in the agricultural landscape. Jessica encourages women to put their hand up to be part of the agriculture sector because she says there's always someone ahead of you who is willing to lend a hand.

"There are so many opportunities in agriculture, whether it is on farms or in the wider agriculture industry. If you don't step forward you will never know. Reach out to other women in the industry because making connections and finding mentors is one of the best ways to move ahead," she said.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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