Northern Tablelands women in agriculture are set to benefit from a series of hands-on livestock handling workshops this March, delivered by Northern Tablelands Local Land Services in collaboration with Land to Table.
Designed specifically for women working in sheep and cattle enterprises, the two-day low stress livestock handling courses will be held in Tenterfield (2–3 March), Guyra (5–6 March) and Walcha (9–10 March). The practical training aims to build confidence, improve safety awareness and strengthen leadership skills in real farm settings.
Participants will gain practical, farm-ready skills across both sheep and cattle handling, with a strong focus on low-stress techniques that support animal welfare while improving on-farm efficiency. The workshops are tailored to women at all stages of their agricultural journey, from those new to livestock enterprises to experienced producers looking to refine their skills and boost confidence in the yards.
Sara Paton, Livestock Officer (LSO), Sustainable Agriculture and Plant Biosecurity, Northern Tablelands, Local Land Services, said the initiative reflects a strong commitment to supporting women across the region.
“Northern Tablelands Local Land Services is proud to deliver these livestock handling workshops in partnership with Land to Table. These sessions are designed to give women in agriculture the confidence, skills, and practical experience they need to work safely and effectively with sheep and cattle. By offering hands-on, low-stress livestock handling training in real farm environments, we’re helping participants build capability, strengthen leadership, and connect with a supportive community of women across the region.
“Our collaboration with Land to Table reflects our shared commitment to empowering producers with knowledge that improves safety, animal welfare, and on-farm outcomes. These workshops are an important investment in the future of our agricultural communities, ensuring women have every opportunity to thrive in their livestock enterprises.”
Each location will provide a supportive and practical learning environment, allowing participants to work directly with livestock under the guidance of experienced facilitators. Beyond technical skills, the workshops also create valuable networking opportunities, encouraging connection and collaboration among rural women from across the Northern Tablelands.
The workshops will be led by experienced livestock handler and educator Jemma, originally from south-west NSW, who has worked across every state in Australia with sheep, cattle and goats. With extensive hands-on experience in educating producers and applying low-stress handling techniques in real-world conditions, Jemma is passionate about helping people translate knowledge into practical skills.
Her on-the-job training approach focuses on building genuine confidence and capability in the yards. Diagnosed with both ADHD and dyslexia, Jemma brings a unique strength to her work, with an exceptional ability to recognise patterns in animal behaviour and adapt to different learning styles. This insight allows her to draw out confidence in participants, equipping them to handle livestock safely, ethically and with assurance.
With agriculture continuing to evolve, initiatives such as these play an important role in strengthening local industries and ensuring producers are equipped with the tools and confidence needed to succeed.
Women interested in attending the Tenterfield, Guyra or Walcha workshops can learn more or register for this NSW Government-supported event online. Places are limited, and early registration is encouraged.
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