Australian Government specialist lender, RIC (Regional Investment Corporation), is proud to support the Australian Women in Agriculture Conference in Orange, NSW from 27-29 July, celebrating the leadership, innovation and contribution of women shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
As a Networking Sponsor, RIC will join women from across rural and regional Australia to share knowledge, strengthen connections and explore opportunities to grow resilient and sustainable agricultural businesses. The conference is a national gathering that brings together producers, industry leaders, advocates and professionals from across the agriculture sector.
RIC Executive Director Program Delivery, Alli Gregory, said supporting women in agriculture is about more than recognising achievements; it's about creating opportunities for women to thrive, lead and drive positive change within their businesses and communities.
"Women play an increasingly important role across every part of the Australian agricultural industry from on-farm primary production and agribusiness operations to innovation, leadership and sustainability," Ms Gregory said.
"The Australian Women in Agriculture Conference provides an important platform for women to share experiences, learn from one another and build the relationships that help strengthen rural industries and communities."
Ms Gregory said RIC is proud to support farm businesses at all stages of their farming journey, by offering low interest loans designed to provide valuable financial breathing space, helping to improve cash flow, manage debt, recover from significant disruptions, and strengthen their long-term viability and productivity.
"Whether it's supporting first farmers through the AgriStarter Loan, helping farm businesses plan for the future, or assisting through challenging seasonal conditions, RIC is committed to helping viable farm businesses succeed," she said.
"We know that when people are supported to pursue their ambitions, the benefits extend beyond individual businesses to families, communities and the broader agricultural sector."
Conference attendees are encouraged to connect with the RIC team throughout the event to learn more about RIC loan products, eligibility requirements and how concessional finance may help support eligible farm businesses.
Self-starter builds cattle herd with RIC loan
Victorian cattle farmer, Danna Boulton is forging her own path with the support of a RIC AgriStarter Loan. After gaining hands-on experience on her family farm in the Gippsland region, Danna was able to purchase nearby grazing land and grow her herd from 30 calves in 2023 to more than 220-head three years later.
"I struggled a bit with the stereotype of 'you're a girl, you can't do that', but now I'm confident enough in my own ability and knowledge that people do take me seriously," she said.
"They see you loading cattle and you're the one who's bought them and then they see you selling cattle at the yards and, well, the proof's in the pudding, isn't it? They say, 'wow are they yours? They're in good order'."
Retaining at least 50 per cent of her total debt with a commercial lender provided additional serviceability benefits to support Danna's entrepreneurial dreams.
"I don't think the bank would have lent me the money to buy the property without the support of a RIC loan at the same time because they would have looked at it and thought there was no way I could afford the interest on the entirety of the loan," Danna explained.
By unlocking financial pathways, RIC helps farmers like Danna not just enter agriculture but thrive in it.
For more on Danna Boulton's story visit ric.gov.au/loans/customer-stories.
