Chairperson of the South Coast and Highlands Dairy Industry Group, Tracey Russell, said there there are more opportunities now for rural women.

“Things have changed a lot over the years, we face the normal challenges of being a wife, mother and business partner, perhaps more so now than in the past, as we have taken on more responsibility within the industry,” she said.

Mrs Russell was raised on Boscawen, at Brundee, the property she co-owns and manages with her brother and husband. 

“I married the boy next door, who was also a farmer. Our granddaughters are the eighth generation to live on our property.

“It is a rewarding career, it is my life.” 

Beef producer, Jess Lewis runs her own cattle stud.

I’ve always had a love for the land and I get such a sense of enjoyment from it,” she said.

“There’s also a lot more women in managerial roles now in the beef sector, which is great.”