STRONG and vibrant women came together on Thursday, July 29 to celebrate the Facey Group’s 10th annual Women in Agriculture event.
The 'Diamonds in the Dust' theme was a celebration of rural women and the many roles women play at home, on the farm, within their community and the broader agricultural industry.
One hundred women congregated at Wickepin, travelling from the shire and surrounding regions.
A variety of presenters, great food and the company of friends ensured a packed day that increased the motivation and inspiration of the valuable resource that is rural women.
This year’s event focused on a range of topics that were future and business focused while ensuring that women went home inspired and encouraged to follow their passions.
Futurist Annimac returned after presenting at the first Women in Agriculture event.
Her study of emerging and future trends, business and world movements pointed to a more humanitarian and sustainability based society consciousness.
She touched on big business consciousness heading more toward passion, dignity and responsibility ethics as well as many other forecasts that gave the participants plenty of food for thought.
Local inventor and Speciiflex company owner Peta Astbury gave a valuable insight into her journey from idea to manufacturing and selling her unique medical specimen jar.
Mrs Astbury's top tips for budding inventors were to consider their idea's uniqueness then, employ a design engineer, set a budget and double it and to set a time frame and double it.
Participants also felt more equipped for tackling for human resource management on farm and in their business’s thanks to Crawford Taylor.
Mr Taylor is the state manager for Rabo Bank who shared Rabo’s strategies for recruitment and selection followed with the retention and performance management of the people who work for RaboBank.
Participants left with a greater understanding of interviewing based on the person’s previous experience and using STAR principals to make the whole process easier.
Facey Group executive officer Felicity Astbury said it was great a huge diversity of women came together to celebrate agriculture.
“ Each presenter engaged and encouraged the ladies while providing many valuable learning’s that they could take home to their business’s and farms,” she said.
Other highlights included the Hon Mia Davies who talked about the new Drought Relief Pilot and the benefits to farmers and James Yewers, the chairman of Irwin Valley Lupin Flour.
Mr Yewers provided a unique perspective into a group, run by farmers, which implemented their own growing, processing and marketing chain to ensure the growth, improvement and adoption of their product.
A gourmet lunch allowed plenty of time to practice the wine tasting skills Kirsten Skraha from Wild Orchid Wine had shared with participants.
As women tasted the tantalising range Ms Skraha told the Wild Orchid story along with her own journey as a RIRDC winner.
Finishing the day on a high note was barrister, expert in forensic science and an internationally recognised jury researcher Judith Fordham.
Ms Fordham inspired each person to 'say yes' to the opportunities presented to them in life.
Her inspirational story from personal hardship and into law, forensics, education and research had ladies reflecting on life choices and laughing at some of her more humours experiences as a criminal lawyer.
Diamonds in the Dust was designed by rural women for rural women.
The Facey Group continues to build the capacity of rural women by information and knowledge sharing while promoting action for rural issues that affect families and farms.
For more information or quotes regarding the Women in Agriculture and the Facey Group call Carmen Bayley on 9888 1223.
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