Madie Hamilton named among 12 women selected for NFF’s 2024 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program

Madie Hamilton, General Manager of the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA), has been selected as one of the 12 women in the 2024 cohort of the National Farmers’ Federation’s (NFF) Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.

With over a decade of experience in agricultural communications, membership services, events, and capacity building, Ms Hamilton's career has been distinguished and varied. Before joining ALFA, she helped her parents run a successful boxed lamb business called ‘Farmer George', which provided a paddock-to-plate experience from their family farm in Mudgee.

The NFF’s initiative, the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program, aims to address the underrepresentation of women in agricultural leadership roles. The program supports the NFF’s goal to double the number of women in leadership positions within agriculture and make the industry more inclusive by 2030.

Ms Hamilton, familiar with alumni of the program, was eager to join a support network in the agricultural field.

"What really attracted me to the program is that I’ve been looking out for a mentor for quite some time. And it's just so hard to know where to find one or how to approach someone to be your mentor," Ms Hamilton said.

"If you have that network, you feel much more empowered to stand up and be a voice on behalf of others. So I think that’s what I’m trying to achieve—to both have the network behind me and also be part of the network for others,” Ms Hamilton said.

This year, Ms Hamilton will join the program alongside fellow lot feeder Kelly Nankivell, Vice Chair of the Australian Lot Feeders Association and Community and Engagement Committee.

Reflecting on her experience in the lot feeding industry, Ms. Hamilton noted that while there is a strong presence of women, they often dominate roles such as pen-riders or executive positions, with fewer in middle management.

With over 15 years of non-executive director experience, Ms. Hamilton looks forward to expanding her leadership roles within the agricultural sector and contributing to its promising future.

"I think it's great that NFF is facilitating this leadership program, making sure that we aren’t just the 'token woman,'" Ms Hamilton said. "Having more women in agriculture ensures it's not just about fulfilling a quota but about recognising the best person for the role."

The program is supported by 32 industry partners committed to promoting gender-equal workplaces and leadership teams.

NFF President David Jochinke congratulated this year’s participants, noting the high level of interest and exceptional applications.

"The overwhelming interest in this program each year highlights the growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion within agriculture. It's inspiring to see so many talented women eager to step into leadership roles and contribute to the future of agriculture," Jochinke said.

"With the program in its seventh year, the commitment and achievements of graduates have been remarkable, and we are confident this new cohort will continue to build on that legacy."

The 2024 cohort joins the program’s growing alumni network, bringing the total to 65 participants. The program has driven transformative change within the industry, with many graduates stepping into executive roles, accepting board positions, and becoming changemakers within their communities.

The group will come together in Canberra for an introductory retreat during June and then embark on a four-month mentoring program, before graduating in October.