Women living in rural areas are reported to make up more than 20% of the global population, according to the UN.

It’s of no surprise to anyone that they play an essential role in shaping the success and future achievements of the agricultural industry.

Today is the International Day of Rural Women and for people like Nicola Smith, Site Manager at GrainCorp’s Ardlethan site, it’s a day to celebrate a special way of life.

Nicola’s role is pivotal in overseeing the operations of one of GrainCorp’s largest sites, where we’ve received nearly 540,000 tonnes of grain in the past three years.

As Site Manager, Nicola leads and ensures the safety of around 50 people during harvest – a responsibility that she fully embraces.

“I think having a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and a good work ethic is what you need to succeed,” Nicola says.

“Some things like the weather are completely out of our control, so having a cool, calm and collected approach to change is important.

“I think this is why I thrive in the position I’m in – I love the challenge of the job and have a good mindset about the variability of it,” she says.

For Nicola and many women globally, agriculture is more than just a career – it’s a way of life that benefits from the leadership and hard work of rural women.

Women make up nearly half of the global agricultural workforce, yet they often face barriers to equal access for resources and career opportunities according to the World Health Organisation.

By leading and inspiring others, women like Nicola are helping break down those barriers, bringing fresh perspectives and driving innovation in an industry that is vital to global food security.

Growing up in the small town of Lake Cargelligo in central western NSW, Nicola has been involved in the world of agriculture in one way or another since she was a child, giving her a deep appreciation for the people and the culture of the industry.

“Agriculture is an everchanging and developing industry and I love the challenge and variety I get to experience from that,” says Nicola.

“The people are down to earth and genuinely kind and happy – I’ve made so many great connections and friendships within the industry.”

International Day of Rural Women also happens to coincide with the best time of the year, in Nicola’s eyes – the beginning of harvest on the east coast of Australia.

“It’s wonderful seeing all the new faces joining the team, and equally seeing our returning harvest workers come back to site and continue to grow their love of agriculture too,” says Nicola.

Read more about the International Day of Rural Women here: https://www.un.org/en/observances/rural-women-day