Two pairs of sisters. Two Victorian farming families. One shared passion for agriculture.

The future of agriculture is bright, with more women at the helm of all types of farming  operations in Australia and around the world.

For Danielle and Caitlin Lang, and Ella and Darcy Gervasoni, farming is more than a family business. It’s a way of life, a chance to play to each other’s strengths and a legacy they hope to carry into the next generation.

This International Day of Rural Women, we’re celebrating women who are shaping the future of our industry, starting with these four women.

Globally, women make up close to 40 per cent of the agricultural labour force, with that number climbing to over 50 per cent in parts of Africa and Asia, according to the United Nations. Here in Australia, around 80,000 women work in agriculture, accounting roughly for a third of our total agricultural workforce, according to ABARES.

We recently hosted a tour for the next generation of Victorian growers at our Geelong Port, which gave us an opportunity to catch up with the sister duos.

The Langs farm at Nareewillock in Victoria’s Mallee region, and the Gervasonis hail from Smeaton in the state’s Central Highlands. Both families have deep roots in farming, with the Gervasonis now in their sixth generation.

Ella Gervasoni says she can’t imagine a life without working in agriculture.

“It’s just a normal part of who I am and the lifestyle I’ve always known. I’ve always hoped that one day we’ll be able to carry on the family farm and pass it down to future generations, continuing the hard work and legacy of Gervasonis before us.”

“Working alongside my sister Darcy every day has its ups and downs. We’re very like-minded, so while we sometimes clash, we always find a way to work together and get the job done.

“We each have our own strengths and interests, I’m more focused on broadacre cropping, while Darcy has a passion for livestock, so we bring different skills to the table,” says Ella.

The Lang sisters have also got the farming bug; Danielle says she and her sister Caitlin helped on the farm from an early age, and they now work together as part of a close-knit family operation.

“I loved agriculture, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. I gained a butcher’s apprenticeship and then worked on an olive grove for a few years before heading to Longerenong College, where I gained my Advanced Diploma of agribusiness management and agronomy – and Caitlin followed a similar path,” says Danielle.

“Now that we’re both working on the farm together, we each play to our strengths. For example, I drive trucks and handle sowing while Caitlin does a lot of the spreading and stacking hay.”

While the work can be demanding, both Ella and Danielle agree that it is incredibly rewarding.

“What I love most about farming is that it’s more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle, and you’re contributing to feeding people across Australia and around the world,” says Ella.

“Even though some days can be long and there is always something that needs doing, it’s worth it to see your hard work resulting in quality food,” says Danielle.

I believe women are capable of doing anything they set their minds to in agriculture.

Ella gervasoni

As women working in agriculture, Danielle and Ella want to encourage other women to join the industry, and say that confidence is key.

“Dad always encouraged Caitlin and I to have a go at everything and to not doubt ourselves. I think it’s important that more women are working in ag, as the dynamic is changing so much compared to 10 or 20 years ago,” says Danielle.

Ella agrees, pointing to the value women bring to an industry that continues to evolve.

“I believe women are capable of doing anything they set their minds to in agriculture. We’re just as capable of taking on the challenges and responsibilities of the industry, and it’s great to see more women becoming involved in all areas of farming,” says Ella.

“Having a mix of skills, knowledge and perspectives helps strengthen the industry as a whole and the more women we see working in agriculture, the more we can show the next generation that there’s a place for them in the industry, too.”