Rural
15 June, 2025
Shining a Light on the Women Behind the Farm Gate
As part of its taxtime appeal, Rural Aid’s No Farmer Stands Alone campaign is shining a light on the crucial but often overlooked role of women in agriculture.
Women are the backbone of Australian farms, taking on roles as labourers, decision-makers, carers, and leaders. They face the same pressures as men, plus the additional load of managing households and supporting others through crises.
Rural Aid’s Pulse of the Paddock survey found that 58% of farmers rated their mental health as average or worse, with 38% facing barriers to support—especially rural women.
“Too often, when we picture a farmer, we think of a bloke in a paddock, but women are involved in every part of farming life,” said Myf Pitcher, Rural Aid’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing. “They carry massive responsibility, yet their mental health struggles often go unseen.”
Alyce Parker, GWS Giants AFLW player and Rural Aid ambassador, who grew up on a farm in Holbrook, NSW, said, “I’ve seen the pressure rural women face. They give everything but often put themselves last. Strength doesn’t mean you don’t need support.”
Farmer Carol Hill from Coraki agrees: “Rural Aid doesn’t just give you a number—they call you. That connection means everything.”
Rural Aid has seen a 55% rise in mental health referrals. Donations support on-farm counselling, wellbeing calls, and resilience programs.
Donate today: https://taxtime.ruralaid.org.au
Because no farmer should stand alone.
