February 7, 2023
Cattle Australia chair David Foote created a stir in rural circles last week when he was quoted saying: “Women are a huge part of our industry, they’re there in every kitchen table in a partnership”.
He then added women were equal as they do the banking, the books “plus manage the house”.
Mr Foote’s statements were part of a podcast discussion about the makeup of Cattle Australia’s inaugural Board, which consists of six men and one woman.
The comments were described as “disappointing” and “uncomfortable and unnecessary” by commenters in a subsequent ABC Rural report.
AgForce Queensland general president Georgie Somerset admitted agriculture was lagging behind other industries when it comes to gender equality.
But the Durong-based grazier said AgForce was “leading the way in equality”.
“Only last week, the newly formed Cattle Australia was criticised for having just one woman on its board,” Mrs Somerset said.
“Many are now calling on the agriculture industry to ramp up its efforts to attract more women to representative roles – and I’m all for it.
“At AgForce, there are no gender barriers – we are leading the way in equality, with women making up more than half (54 per cent) of our staff, compared to just 32 per cent in the industry.
“Indeed, our boards and committees include many inspiring, resilient, and innovative women, all working together for the future of farming.
“But it’s not surprising that agriculture is still lagging behind other industries in this field (bad pun intended).
“It wasn’t until 1994 that Australian women were even legally recognised as farmers in their own right.
“Prior to that, female farmers could only list their occupations as ‘domestics’ or ‘helpmates’, and in some shocking cases they were classed as ‘farmers’ wives’.
“One of my goals when I became president of AgForce in 2018, was to change the public perception of agriculture and its people.
“I believe in a world that is diverse, equitable and inclusive, and where difference is valued and celebrated.
“Let us be proud of the contribution women make to Australia, agriculture, and the lives of those around us.
“But let’s also not lose sight of how far we have to go in creating a gender equal world, free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.”
