Celebrating Rural Women with Jess Knight for GippslandScapes Podcast

This International Day of Rural Women, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) acknowledges the many women helping shape the future of agriculture and healthy catchments in the places they live. 

We’re celebrating the day with the release of a new Gippslandscapes podcast episode where we speak with Gippsland dairy farmer Jess Knight who gives a first hand perspective on why this contribution deserves recognition. 

“Even if your work feels unseen, it’s not. What you’re doing matters because you bring a value to your farm, to your business and your community,” said Jess. 
 
From raising calves and managing farm finances to making business decisions, caring for families and contributing to their communities, rural women play an essential role in agriculture. 

Jess shares her journey from novice to dairy farmer, the challenges of balancing farm and family life, and the importance of taking time for family and having connection with other rural women.  

As a member of the CMA”s  Irrigator Reference Group, Jess also talks about how working with the CMA has helped her family make informed decisions about water, irrigation and the future of their farm. 

The Group provides a forum for Jess and other members to give the farmer’s view of what’s happening in the district and local concerns. The CMA bring in speakers and invite ideas and suggestions. 

“It’s a very back and forth relationship of us bringing our knowledge and the CMA sharing their knowledge and inviting experts. Then together we can find the next steps.” 

Jess has also been part of demonstration projects run by the CMA and Agriculture Victoria to showcase to new technologies to other farmers. Each time a new practice change is adopted is one step closer to a more sustainable and productive farming future for West Gippsland. 

“Even if your work feels unseen, it’s not. What you’re doing matters because you bring a value to your farm, to your business and your community,” concluded Jess. 

So happy International Day of Rural Women everyone across West Gippsland and beyond from the CMA team. 

Links – listen to the podcast HERE: Gippslandscapes Podcasts

Jess Knight on her farm near Stratford

The crew visiting Jess’s farm (left to right: Jo, Mick, Jess, Sally)