Connecting Women In Ag

By Fiona Gowers

Maddie Morgan, part of the fifth generation to be raised on a Shorthorn stud in Condamine, has co-founded the organisation, Women in Ag, alongside friend Nikita Daley.

Launched in March 2022, Women in Ag aims to facilitate an approachable platform that connects and inspires women across agricultural industries at all stages of their career.

“I am passionate about the power of connectivity and forming trusted support networks and relationships,” Maddie said.

“Women in Ag aims to establish a strong networking community and facilitate mentoring within the industry.”

The launch event in March, which Colliers Agribusiness sponsored, was well supported, with more than 110 attendees and a guest speaker panel of industry leaders.

Compere Andrea Crothers, now of the Nine Network, interviewed panelists Prue Bondfield, Edwina Warby, Black Box Co, Fran Becker, Hamilton Locke and Leah Freney, Colliers Agribusiness.

As women involved ian agriculture, they shared their experiences and perceptions.

“The attendance and engagement at the launch highlighted the value and opportunities that events such as these can offer to likeminded people across the industry,“ Maddie said.

“It also reinforced what an exciting time it is to be involved in the ag industry.”

In celebration of International Day of Rural Women in October 2022, Women in Ag held an online webinar with a panel of industry leaders from Rabobank Australia including Felicity

Taylor, Moree region area manager, Georgie Poole, copywriter and content editor and Caroline Andrews, head of liquidity management.

Maddie said the panellists sparked an interesting conversation around their varied experiences across the agricultural industry.

“In particular, the discussion touched on the value and privilege of being a part of a rural community and the incredible importance of storytelling to showcase the ag industry,” she said.

“Being an event hosted in celebration of the Internatational Day of Rural Women, it was a privilege to hear from the panellists on their journeys, the opportunities available in rural Australia and their vast accomplishments across industry.”

Maddie Morgan is proud of her rural background and passionate about Australian agriculture and agribusiness.

She was raised on Myall Grove, a mixed farming, commercial cattle and Shorthorn stud and attended Condamine State School and Somerville House in Brisbane, before graduating in July 2022 from the University of Queensland with Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Accounting) and a Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

“The 5.5-year degree was both a challenging and rewarding experience”.

After graduating from university in July 2022, Maddie returned to Myall Grove, where she is currently working for six months with family, including parents Godfrey and Megan Morgan.

“I am really enjoying being back home and working alongside my family again,” she said.