Committee members (L to R) Natasha Yarrington, Wingham, April Browne, Camden, Linda Buckley, Camden, Kate Wilson, Tamworth, Meaghan Daly, Jingelic and Gemma Otton, Quamma. Missing committee members were Renae Conell, Dorrigo, Tori Alexander, Camden and Belinda Griffin, Westbury.
Photo by
Tony Harrington
Connection, networking, sharing and support are the key themes of NSW Women In Dairy’s Bale Up conference, and in many ways, the key to its success.
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Dairy farming women travel across the state to attend Bale Up, which is held in a different part of NSW every year.
This year’s destination was Canberra.
President of NSW Women in Dairy Natasha Yarrington said 100 people including farmers and service providers attended the event.
Organisers were also thankful for naming rights sponsors NSWDPIRD.
“Bale Up really is such an important conference – for many of our attendees it’s the only time they get off the farm and can put some time into their own personal and professional development.
“We aim to deliver diverse perspectives, foster creativity, innovation and a sense of unity and open new doors for opportunities and collaborations,” Natasha said.
The three-day conference includes educational and inspirational speakers, industry professionals, experts and fellow dairy farmers who share their experiences, skills and knowledge with attendees.
A highlight of this year’s conference was the inspirational presentation from Sam Longmore.
Guest speakers are a key component of Bale Up 2026.
A disability advocate, entrepreneur and elite adaptive athlete, Sam is driven by resilience, purpose and action.
Just over 13 years ago, Sam’s life changed following two car accidents that resulted in her becoming a wheelchair user. Rather than limiting her, the experience strengthened her determination to challenge barriers, particularly within rural and agricultural Australia. She also runs a successful agricultural contract spraying business.
“One of the most powerful messages from Sam was the importance of doing something for yourself – a theme that was repeated throughout the conference,” Natasha said.
Panel discussion topics included finance, tech and innovation and leadership without the burnout.
“The leadership without burnout again emphasised the importance of looking after yourself. One of the biggest take-homes for me was, it isn’t necessarily about having a holiday, but finding those little microseconds each day to be present and look after yourself.”
This is the eighth Bale Up conference, which first started in 2017.
“The mid-North Coast and Hunter Valley dairy groups started the concept after they were looking to start a local event and it has grown from there.
“We have been to every dairy region in NSW to give women across the state the opportunity to come to the conference,” Natasha said.
NSW Women in Dairy are a group of like-minded, enthusiastic women, who are all truly passionate about connecting and supporting women across the dairy industry.
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