A course designed to lift farm profitability by helping farming women become more active partners in their farming businesses is achieving some outstanding results, according to new research.
The Understanding Your Farming Business (UYFB) course funded by the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) Primary Growth Partnership Programme and run by the Agri-Women's Development Trust has built up the skills, knowledge and confidence of more than 650 farming women since 2014.
Independent research by UMR shows that, six months after graduating, 90 per cent of the women were now confident in talking with their partners about the business side of farming operations. Three-quarters said they were now confident in understanding their farm accounts while 78 per cent were now doing financial budgeting with their partner.
Diane Falconer, RMPP's Project manager for People Capability, said the research showed women who had completed the course were more actively contributing to their farming businesses.
"They are better equipped to ask questions and hold meaningful business conversations both within the farm team and with rural professionals and service support people. These conversations are leading to positive changes such as a greater sharing of decision making, leading to reduced pressure and stress on partners and other farm team members. Many participants were also starting to find their niche in their own businesses."