International Rural Women’s Day – Kate Acland

Kate Acland is Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, a Mid Canterbury  farmer and the inaugural 2026 Rural Woman of the Year. A strong advocate for rural communities and the red meat sector, she brings both practical farming experience and national leadership to the table.

1. You’ve reached one of the most influential governance positions in New Zealand agriculture. What has shaped the way you lead?

I’ve been lucky to have some fantastic mentors along the way and a great network of trusted people I can test things with. This type of leadership can be a lonely place so having that network has been so critical to me.

2. When you look beyond the boardroom, what do you think rural women are contributing that still isn’t fully recognised?

Success of rural NZ will not come from the boardrooms, it will be built from the ground up – through the school committees, community trusts and community boards, sports clubs, catchment groups and local government. Having a pipeline of motivated and skilled women stepping into all of these roles is crucial and we should value these women and the roles for the contribution they make to our communities.

3. You’ve spoken about the women before you who pushed the door open. Where do you think the doors are still difficult to open?

Often the biggest barrier for women to move forward is in our own heads – the self-doubt and imposter syndrome is real (I know from experience!). We need to get used to feeling a little uncomfortable and pushing ourselves out there to take on these roles and opportunities.

4. What are you most optimistic about for the next generation of women coming into agriculture?

I have a 13 year old daughter who currently wants to be a farmer – I’m excited that I can see a clear pathway for her, there is no doubt in my mind and no suggestion from anyone she’s come across that it isn’t a realistic option for her future. I’m genuinely excited at the calibre of some of the young women I meet who are choosing agriculture as a career – because we need the best and brightest coming into our sector.

5. What does being a rural woman mean to you in 2026?

I just feel incredibly lucky to have the life I do – that I can be in the calf sheds one day, the boardroom the next and attending a kids sports day the following – the flexibility, the lifestyle and the community make it all worthwhile.

6. What is the one thing you would change for rural women tomorrow if you could?

Better access to healthcare.

7. What’s your rural superpower, the skill, quality or instinct you rely on most?

With my current pace of life I think delegation is my superpower – I’ve had to get better at asking for help and letting others around me pick up some of the slack – both at home and at work. I’m starting to learn that doing less but doing it well, is better than trying to do everything and making a bad job of it!