THE National Farmers’ Federation’s Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program on Tuesday welcomed twelve women from across Australia to its esteemed ranks.

The mentoring and networking program is the NFF’s flagship initiative to address the under representation of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks.

The 2025 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership cohort includes Karen Penfold, Nada Sukkarieh, Courtney Bailey, Malinda Newton, Vivienne McCollum, Bronwyn Venus, Anna Cochrane, Victoria Fish, Mary Johnson, Georgia Campbell, Allison Dakin and Mon Saunders.

The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership program is made possible by the generosity of 30 dedicated industry partners.

The cohort will take part in a three-day leadership retreat in Canberra, be matched with an industry-leading mentor, and work towards personal and professional goals under the guidance of the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership team.

NFF President David Jochinke said it was a very competitive selection process for the 2025 cohort.

“These twelve women are the cream of the crop, and we congratulate them for taking the time and effort to further their leadership skills through this program,” Mr Jochinke.

“The NFF has set a goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030.

“This program boasts dozens of alumni and is now in its eighth year, a testament to the desire for diversity in ag’s leadership spaces.

“I look forward to seeing these talented professionals thrive in this year’s program.”

For more information, go to Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.

Karen Penfold, a fourth-generation Queensland farmer, is one of 12 women in the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program, announced on Tuesday.

Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program

Mary Johnson, NSW

Mary Johnson is Meat & Livestock Australia’s Industry Engagement Manager. Prior to this role, she worked in MLA’s London office for four years, with a focus on expanding market access for Australian beef, sheep meat and goat meat producers in the UK and EU. Mary also has a personal affiliation with the Australian red meat sector, running a commercial beef breeding operation alongside her brother in south-western NSW. She enjoys running and cycling and cooking for family and friends, with Australian beef and lamb as the centrepiece.

Bronwyn Venus, QLD

Bronwyn Venus is a strategic leader with more than 30 years’ experience in agricultural research and industry engagement, currently serving as Head of Partnerships and Project Management at Sugar Research Australia. With a career spanning executive roles in research funding, capability development, and innovation strategy, she has championed equitable access to science and leadership pathways, particularly for women in regional and rural Australia. Bronwyn is passionate about building inclusive, future-ready agricultural systems through collaboration and impact-driven investment.

Georgia Campbell, NSW

Originally from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Georgia’s passion for agriculture has allowed her to work across the entire supply chain, from cattle stations to butcheries, and from the Northern Territory to the Solomon Islands. She is currently moving into the Program Manager role at Farmers for Climate Action, combining her interest in regenerative, fair, and sustainable food systems with her passion for developing strong leadership throughout all levels of the agriculture industry. She looks forward to the opportunities this program will bring her as she navigates the next stage in her career and being connected to other inspiring women across Australian agriculture.

Anna Cochrane, NT

Currently based on a cattle station in the Northern Territory, Anna has a background in regional and rural development, community engagement and station management. She’s looking forward to leaning into the DiALP, widening her network and really challenging herself.

Victoria Fish, VIC

Victoria is a wool metrologist with over 20 years’ experience working in research at the Australian Wool Testing Authority. A founding board member and current president of Women in Wool Association, Victoria is passionate about furthering the careers of women in agriculture, especially within the Australian Wool Industry. Victoria is looking forward to the opportunity to expand her leadership skills and connecting with diverse professionals in the agricultural sector.

Courtney Bailey, QLD

Courtney is the Agriculture Sector Lead at Voconiq and the volunteer CEO of Country to Canberra, a national not-for-profit supporting young rural women and gender-diverse leaders. With a background in agribusiness, teaching, and psychology, she works to strengthen trust between agricultural industries and the communities they serve. She’s passionate about building a more inclusive, community-connected future for agriculture.

Malinda Guest, NSW

Malinda is Director and Clinical Psychologist at Boundless Psychology, passionate about rural mental health, communication, and relationships. She wears many hats, including university lecturer, psychology supervisor, mentor, and guest speaker — all focused on educating and supporting individuals in rural communities. Malinda is focused on advancing rural mental health advocacy, resources, and policies.

Nada Sukkarieh, NSW

Nada Sukkarieh has built a career around impact-driven work across the corporate, government, and startup sectors. She’s motivated by complex challenges and values opportunities to drive meaningful change. Nada is looking forward to connecting with others on this Program who share a commitment to shaping the future of the agricultural sector and learning from their experiences along the way.

Karen Penfold, QLD

Karen Penfold works proudly with her family to grow and fatten beef cattle on their fourth-generation family properties in South-West Queensland. Karen is passionate about agriculture and is focused on the successful transition of their business to the next generation. With a background in rural small school education, Karen is also passionate about connecting with city-based consumers, to help build a deeper understanding about the role agriculture has in food production and food security.

Viv McCollum, QLD

Viv McCollum is the Head of Corporate Affairs and Company Secretary at DIT AgTech, bringing over 30 years of experience in agricultural innovation across Australia’s cotton, grain, dairy, and beef industries. Raised on a sheep property in western Queensland, she has been a pioneer in AgTech since the early 1990s, with a career focused on applying strategic technologies to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Viv is passionate about driving innovation in both cropping and livestock systems, with a particular focus on solutions that enable a more climate-resilient future for agriculture.

Mon Saunders, SA

Mon Saunders is an experienced communications leader and philanthropy specialist, currently serving as Communications and Philanthropy Manager at Rural Business Support. With a strong background in strategic communications, community engagement, and storytelling across education and rural sectors, Mon brings a values-based approach to building partnerships that strengthen regional resilience and wellbeing. Her current objective is to enable farming families in South Australia to navigate drought conditions with dignity and support, through a combination of Rural Financial Counselling and practical relief delivered within the farm gate through the RBS Relief Fund, a registered charity with DGR1 status, which was launched in July 2023. She lives off-grid on a small farmlet in Wistow and is a passionate advocate for sustainable living and rural communities.

Allison Dakin, WA

Currently the Executive Officer for the Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company in the West Kimberley region of Western Australia, Allison has spent a lifetime working in the Australian agricultural industry. She is looking forward to the program particularly for the opportunity to learn and be inspired by amazing women doing amazing things.

Past participants, including 2024 graduate Ming Fung Chua, have praised the program for expanding leadership horizons.

“The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program has empowered me to break free from self-imposed limitations, embrace my potential, and build lasting bonds with incredible women who have supported my journey toward personal and professional growth,” she said.