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Shannon Fry has built her farming career from the ground up, progressing from shepherding into genetics and management at Cleardale Station in the Rakaia Gorge. With a hands-on approach and a strong interest in stock performance, she represents a new generation of women building serious careers on farm. You came from a Christchurch city upbringing and competitive dancing into farming. When did you first feel that agriculture was where you really belonged? Growing up in Ch

Recently, someone with many years in media gave me a piece of advice. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard it. “Be careful not to have too many women in one issue.” Really? Because in all my years doing this job, nobody has ever warned me about having too many men. Well. Hold my gin. Because this issue is full of women. And unapologetically so. October 15 is International Day of Rural Women, and 2026 is also the International Year of the Woman Farmer, so it seemed like the perf

Emma Burke is the woman behind Take the Wheel, an initiative designed to give rural women greater confidence with practical skills such as 4WD driving. Her work is grounded in a simple idea: when women are given the chance, encouragement and support to have a go, confidence follows. You’ve lived rural life in several parts of New Zealand before settling in Canterbury. What has each community taught you about finding your place and belonging? The fact that no one is coming d