Harvest Your Potential As A Leading Woman In Agriculture

Although women are progressively stepping into leadership roles in agriculture, the journey to success can often feel overwhelming for many young women. Fortunately, the 2025 Next Ratoon Program provides a supportive network of fellow growers, offering aspiring leaders invaluable insights from seasoned professionals, fresh perspectives and a fast track to personal and professional growth.

Judy Thatcher, a dedicated cane farmer and Mackay Area Committee grower representative, passionately advocates for young farmers, having witnessed firsthand the challenges they face today.

"I grew up on a cane farm 60 kilometres north of Mackay, and after leaving school, I pursued a career in banking and local government,” Judy said.

“I never expected to be a farmer, but when my dad passed away suddenly 29 years ago, my mother took over the family business, then I joined her nine years later.

“To say it was a steep learning curve is an understatement…There was no official mentoring program at the time, but the support from the Canegrowers network provided us with the quality advice we needed.”

Now, Judy is committed to ensuring that young women entering the industry receive the support they need to succeed.

“The Next Ratoon mentoring program offers these young growers a safe place to share their aspirations, challenges, and successes,” Judy said.

“I believe it’s a game changer… the worth of women in the agricultural industry today is priceless.”

For Michelle Martin, District Manager for Canegrowers Mackay, the path to leadership has been about seizing every opportunity to learn and grow. Although relatively new to the industry, Michelle is passionate about showing women that they can find their place in agriculture beyond traditional roles.

“I’m not from an ag family, but my experiences in building, education, and even insurance have all contributed to my role - it’s amazing how different skills can actually assist in this field,” Michelle said.

Michelle sees herself as a mentor for the next generation, particularly those exploring non-traditional roles in agriculture and encourages young women to “just give it a go.”

“Whether you’re out in the paddock, or in an office, we all play crucial roles in the ag industry…just give it a go and you’ll gain invaluable knowledge along the way.”

Running from February to August 2025, the Next Ratoon Program is open to growers aged 18-40 connected to a CANEGROWERS member agribusiness, offering participants six months of personalised mentoring, exclusive events and resources.

Applications are open until December 13, 2024. To apply, visit www.canegrowers.com.au/next-ratoon

For more information, contact nextratoon2024@canegrowers.com.au or call (07) 3864 6444.

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