An inspiring TAFE NSW Goulburn student and Crookwell farmer who is blazing a trail for women in agriculture has landed a prestigious scholarship.
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Mother-of-two Jessica Wiseman was this month honoured with the NSW Farmers Goulburn Branch Scholarship, acknowledging her tireless efforts as a farmer in the once-male domain of agriculture.
Ms Wiseman, 29, who grew up on a farm in Bannister and now runs a sheep property with her husband at Crookwell, is studying a Certificate IV in Wool Classing at TAFE NSW Goulburn.
Ms Wiseman thanked NSW Farmers for the $500 scholarship and said she was proud to be raising awareness about the importance of women in agriculture.
"It's not always easy and there's times I'm working in the shearing shed with a child on my hip and a baby asleep in the pram beside me," Ms Wiseman said.
"But to be able to grow food and fibre for the world is really special and I wouldn't change my profession for anything.
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"I get involved in everything on the farm, including shearing, drenching and marking."
Ms Wiseman said she enrolled in the wool classing course at TAFE NSW Goulburn to broaden her skill set and help her farm business grow.
"It's been a great experience at TAFE NSW and because my teacher is a real farmer and wool classer, it's been a very hands-on experience," she said.
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Agriculture Jillian Atkinson said the scholarship was a fitting recognition of Ms Wiseman's talents and efforts.
"It's great to see young female farming leaders like Ms Wiseman being recognised," Ms Atkinson said.
"Up until 1994, women weren't even legally able to list their occupation as 'farmer' but today, women make up a third of the nation's agricultural workforce.
"It's great to be part of an organisation that gives people the practical, hands on skills to be whatever they want to be, regardless of gender."
To find out more about studying at TAFE NSW, visit www.tafensw.edu.au or call 131 601.
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