This event is a collaboration between Rice Extension and WMLIG, made possible with funding from AgriFutures & Murray Local Land Services through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme.

21st November 2018, Wakool NSW.
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Rice Extension created the women in rice network with the aim to connect and empower rural women involved in the rice farming business.

These groups have a focus on sharing knowledge, building skills and growing confidence to make good business decisions, with rice as the common theme. Events are aimed at women of all ranges of experience, knowledge and association of the rice industry.  
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Women in Rice at Wakool was the fifth networking event held by Rice Extension. This event focussed on the variety and complexity of the roles of women in the agriculture sector and of the importance of surrounding yourself with valuable connections.

Belinda Allitt from AgriFutures shared her experiences in communicating positive stories in the ag sector. She explained that understanding your own personal brand values when communicating either on social media, supporting a cause and in advocacy is a must: “Every like, share, follow, ask, reaction, donation, comment demonstrates and reflects on your personal brand”. Each attendee went home with an understanding of their own brand values.

The day also included workshopping Rice$cenario to build confidence to use the tool to prepare water budgets, gross margins and compare different scenarios in their farming enterprises.

Lauren Mathers from Bunderra Berkshires provided an insight into managing and growing a family farm business, including the challenges and innovations associated with this. Lauren discussed her experience with crowd funding, farmer's markets, online marketing, agritourism, value adding and the new Microabattoir initiative she is involved in. 
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The women were very positive in their feedback ranking the day on average 9.4 out of 10.