Country Women to be tested with farm-focused challenges

The Kirwee based Agricultural Field Days hosts one of the largest and most interactive demonstration areas in the country, so to have some of the regions most talented rural women also display their capabilities is a big coup for chairperson Michaela McLeod.

“The South Island Agricultural Field Days has long been known for the place to see harvesters, seeders, balers and some of the newest agricultural technology in action. But to be able to highlight the skills and capabilities of the women, who are often the backbone of the Agricultural industry is a special addition to the Field Days this year. 

Initially designed by Bex Green, Volunteer Regional Leader in North Canterbury, the competition revolves around a series of challenges that give rural women a chance to prove their mettle and demonstrate their talent in the farming sector.

“I wanted to see women step up and step out, and be brave in the farming world,” said Green.

“And the response we had to the CWC was incredible, with 20 women toughing it out last year.’’

After seeing some incredible skills, tactical thinking and entertaining endeavours, Fran Gunn from North Canterbury became our inaugural Dairy Women’s Network Country Woman of the Year

This year, volunteer Regional Leader Jordain Adams is taking the lead for the DWN Canterbury team and she is looking forward to seeing the calibre of competition this year as she and the rest of the Canterbury team look to broaden its appeal by taking the competition to the South Island Agricultural Field Days.

While details are still being finalised, she says participants can expect the same challenges such as throwing darts, milking a fake cow, throwing a gumboot, chopping wood, backing a trailer on a quad bike, and carrying hay bales.

“We’re so excited to be running this competition again, get ready for three days of tough competition, bigger prizes and opportunities for rural women to get out there, have fun and show the rest of New Zealand how to get it done” said Adams.

Providing opportunities for women to get out there and demonstrate the value of women in the rural sector is the purpose of the Network as an organisation. Through workshops, regional events, competitions and conferences they bring women from around the country together for shared learning and connection and give them the support they need to achieve personal and professional goals.

Exact details for the 2021 Country Women Competition will be finalised closer to the date. Keep an eye on the Dairy Women’s Network Canterbury Facebook page for entry information.