Ahead of International Rural Women's Day, New Holland is celebrating the women building careers across its dealership network and supporting farmers, businesses and regional communities across Australia.
Women have been a driving force in Australian agriculture for generations, both on farms and in the industries and businesses that support them. Whether they're in the workshop, sourcing parts during harvest or helping customers get the most from advanced technology, they help farmers stay productive when it matters most.
At AEH Group's dealerships in Victoria and New South Wales, Service Manager Jess Milligan and Apprentice Parts Interpreter Casey Weal are among those proving that careers in agricultural machinery can be both rewarding and impactful.
While agricultural machinery dealerships have traditionally been male-dominated workplaces, women are increasingly building careers across parts, service and technical roles, with women now accounting for 34.9% of Australia's agricultural workforce, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry*.
Jess Milligan, Service Manager, Rural Group Cobram
Jess Milligan moved into agriculture after running her own light vehicle mechanical workshop.
Today she coordinates breakdown support, servicing, warranty work and repairs at Rural Group Cobram in Victoria, part of AEH Group, where women make up almost half the workforce. She works closely with customers running New Holland tractors, combines and harvesting equipment, helping keep their operations moving through the busiest periods of the season.
“When a customer breaks down, they're often under a lot of pressure and just want to get moving again. It's rewarding to help get them back up and running because you know that machinery is their livelihood,” she said.
For Jess, a highlight is supporting farming families and building lasting relationships in regional communities.
“You get to know customers over the years and build genuine relationships, which is something I really enjoy about the industry,” she said.
Jess said seeing more women across dealership roles is helping change perceptions about careers in the industry.
“It's nice to see other females in high roles as role models and inspiration for the next generation,” she said.
Casey Weal, Apprentice Parts Interpreter, Cowra Machinery Centre
In New South Wales, 23-year-old Casey Weal represents a new generation building careers in agriculture. Her passion began with school studies and time on her uncle's farm near Cowra, where she gained hands-on experience with livestock, fencing and spraying from a young age.
As an Apprentice Parts Interpreter, Casey helps farmers get the parts they need to keep machinery operating at the busiest times of the year. While completing a Certificate III in Automotive Sales through TAFE, she is building specialist knowledge that helps customers minimise downtime.
“I enjoy helping customers keep working during the busy seasons. It's rewarding to know you're supporting farmers when they need it most,” she said.
“There's always something new to learn. The machinery keeps changing and every day is different, which is what I enjoy most about the job.”
Casey said the rapid evolution of agricultural technology was one of the aspects of the industry she found most exciting.
“The CR11 is a great example of how much the technology has changed. There's always something new coming through, so you're constantly learning. That's what makes the industry exciting.”
She hopes sharing her story will encourage more women to explore the career pathways available in the agriculture industry.
“If you're considering a career on the land, I'd say definitely give it a go. I'm enjoying being in ag, and there's plenty of women around you. There's always something new to learn and lots of opportunities to grow.”