FARMING girl power is about collecting knowledge, writes KIM WOODS

Kristy Howard works hard to inspire farming women.

Kristy, of Beechworth, has been designing and running training programs in the meat and wool industry since 1995.

Although she gained her philosophy doctorate in barley genetics in 1996, Kristy has branched into executive and business coaching.

The mother of three children is spearheading an innovative farming women's business course.

The course, Inspiring Farming Women, is aimed at rural women searching for professional development and support.

Through her own business, Inspiring Excellence, Kristy has found many rural women lack confidence in their abilities.

She said the lack of confidence was not restricted to any particular age group.

"I have found especially in the livestock industries there is a lot of male bravado," Kristy said.

"Men are generally more confident at putting their point across.

"But women can be more efficient at networking than men."

Kristy said understanding the right way to introduce yourself was easy to learn.

"Women are good listeners and don't always put themselves out there," she said.

"Networking involves being more targeted so you can benefit from knowing that person."

Developing confidence and skills in networking will be among the topics covered in the Inspiring Farm Women course.

Kristy said the program aimed to develop women's business skills and build farm business opportunities.

The program is based on a pilot run in Beechworth at the end of last year, which included a mix of farming and other rural business women.

"We found the women had a range of business skills, were keen to learn and share what they knew," Kristy said.

"They developed strong and supportive networks through the program."

Kristy will be helped by North East consultant Cathy McGowan, who specialises in agricultural leadership programs and rural community development.

During the past 10 years, Cathy has worked with the research and development corporations of the dairy, horticulture, meat, wool and sugar industries.

They will be backed by Milawa agricultural consultant Cheryl Graham, Riverina Plains co-ordinator Fiona Hart and Beechworth small business owner Karen Nankervis.

"The presenters have a broad range of skills and experience with a real commitment to women in rural Australia," Kristy said.

"We will be looking at business planning, goal setting, balancing farm, business and family, and marketing and communication."

Fiona Hart, of grain grower network Riverine Plains, said women had always contributed significantly to rural businesses.

"Whether that be working in paid or unpaid roles on the farm or elsewhere in the community," she said.

"It is terrific this contribution has been recognised, with the program focusing on specifically improving the business skills of rural women."

Kristy said discussion with Riverine Plains members resulted in a number of core topics for the seminars.

These include making the dollar work in farm businesses, business plans and goal setting, marketing, networking skills and communication within family businesses.

To be held at Yarrawonga, workshops and dinners are planned for June 9, 10 and 23, July 28 and August 18.

Kristy hopes the course will be used as a model for other regions.

She grew up on a small farm at Drummond North, north west of Kyneton and completed a degree in applied science at Melbourne University.

Kristy completed a wool classing certificate in 1989, coinciding with the wool industry fall-out.

She secured a PhD scholarship, completing a thesis on barley genetics and malting quality.

Kristy then moved into sheep industry extension work at Swan Hill, Warrnambool and Rutherglen.

In 2008 she started her own business coaching, mentoring, project research and analysis small business.

Recently she conducted feasibility studies for farmers' markets at Strathbogie, Bendigo, Beechworth and Eltham.

"There is real power in the Inspiring Farming Women program," Kristy said.

"Participants will be mixing with consultants, small business owners and other farming women.

"It's about learning from each other and sharing knowledge.

"Hopefully it will become a tight-knit group with an understanding of each other's businesses."

Kristy said the program may be applied within the horticultural and dairy industries in future.

  • A business and rural women's networking, mentoring and leadership event will be held on May 31 at Hotel Nicholas, Beechworth, 3-9.30pm. For details phone Anne Shaw on (03) 5722 4064.