Endless opportunities in agriculture
03 March 2022, Australia: Growing up on her family’s farm, Rachel Pritchard is a fifth-generation wool producer bringing a strong passion for the industry to her role Stud Stock Specialist with Elders.
With a young family, Rachel is relishing the opportunity to balance life and work within one of the fastest growing industries in Australia.
“I’ve been working with sheep and on our family farm my whole life,” says Rachel.
“My passion has come from my father and grandfather.
“Working beside them when I was a kid and watching their love for what they were doing, just made me love it. I learnt so much.
“I still now get to work beside my dad and brothers and get to teach my children – it couldn’t make me happier.”
Rachel Pritchard, Elders Young.
Hailing from Murringo, 24 kilometres east of Young in New South Wales, Rachel started with Elders Young in August 2021. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the role was apparent immediately among her local team who speak highly of her passion for learning.
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“Rachel has brought passion and energy to the Elders Young branch,” says colleague Janelle Sutton.
“[As] a 2021 Peter Westblade Scholarship recipient, Rachel has fast-tracked her education with valuable experience and mentoring in the sheep and wool industry.
“We at Elders Young are proud to have Rachel as part of our team.”
Taking a hands-on approach to developing her sheep industry experience, Rachel has recently undergone formal training for wool classing and even enrolled in an AWI program learning to shear, crutch and handle the sheep.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for me,” says Rachel.
“I’m always looking for more ways to build my knowledge to then be able to support my clients better.
“I love the [agriculture] industry. There is always something to learn or take away from meeting or working with someone and there are always people around willing to teach you if you’re wanting to learn.”
“It’s a great industry to be in.”
This year, Rachel’s passion has seen her promoted to the coveted role of Stud Stock Specialist with the award-wining Elders NSW Stud Stock team.
NSW Stud Stock Manager Paul Jameson says that Rachel is well recognised for being an asset to the business and hopes her appointment reflects a larger movement towards more women wanting to join and excel in the livestock industry.
“Rachel’s interest and passion for the sheep and wool industry, plus the impact she has had on the Elders business through her rural products role at Young, were all factors in her selection for the role,” says Paul.
“The huge upswing in the decision making and management of farm enterprises by women in today’s farming world should not be overlooked, and by supporting Rachel to excel in this role we hope to reflect that.
“She was the best person for the role, and we look forward to her joining our team.”
As both a wool grower, farmer, parent and agribusiness professional, Rachel wears many hats. She reflects positively on the way she has been able to achieve balance wearing all of them while pursuing a career in agriculture.
“The opportunities are for young people to reach their full potential are endless in the wool and livestock industry,” says Rachel.
“You just have to want to learn and get in and have a go.
“I’m just one example. Come and join us!”
