By Alison Treston, Senior Farm Insurance Specialist with Achmea Farm Insurance, Mackay
For decades, women across Australia have stood as the backbone of farming communities, shaping our future with grit, determination, and strength. As a speaker at a recent agricultural conference dedicated to women, I had the privilege to reflect on the resilience, trust, and collaboration that empower women in agriculture; a spirit that has been my guiding principle throughout my 40-year career in insurance.
The Values That Unite Us
My own story began in North Queensland, in the town of Innisfail, where farming was not just an occupation, it was a way of life. I was 16 when Cyclone Winifred tore through in 1986, and it shaped me into who I am today. At the time, I worked in a small insurance office that became a lifeline for the devastated community.
The devastation wasn’t just about physical damage; it was about fear, loss, and uncertainty.
Those moments showed me that trust and compassion could hold a community together when everything else was falling apart.
That experience sparked my passion for insurance. Insurance, I discovered, is more than paperwork or policies: it’s about people. It’s about being a steady, reliable hand during life’s stormiest moments, helping to rebuild hope, when it feels like there’s none left.
Decades later, whether I’m helping farmers recover after a cyclone or supporting them through daily unforeseen events, this passion continues to drive me. For me, insurance is about empowering people and communities to rise stronger, together.
Empowering Women in Agriculture
Farming has always demanded resilience. But that resilience extends far beyond crops or machinery, it’s about the people who make it all possible. The women in agriculture, those sitting at the helm of their farms and families, are the beating heart of rural communities.
To every woman balancing the needs of a farm with the responsibilities of running a household, raising children, navigating childcare, or fulfilling other caregiving responsibilities — and everything in between — your strength is exceptional. Though, with that strength comes the reality of unique challenges.
From facing natural disasters to managing the financial pressures of farming life, it’s clear that having the right support isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Securing your financial future with tools like insurance is vital. It means protecting your family’s legacy, preparing for the unexpected, and ensuring your hard work endures through any challenge. Because safeguarding your farm isn’t just about the present, it’s about a strong resilience future for generations to come.
Community organisations are positive examples of how collaboration and solidarity can make a difference. Together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.
Trusted Partnerships in Times of Crisis
One of the greatest demonstrations of resilience and partnership I’ve witnessed came during Cyclone Debbie, which struck the Bowen region just weeks before tomato farmers were set to harvest. For many, the devastation felt insurmountable. Packing sheds were destroyed, crops were ready, but there was no way to deliver them to market.
At Achmea Farm Insurance, we immediately got to work. Within weeks, critical infrastructure was restored, allowing farmers to pack and deliver their produce on time. This rapid recovery reflected our purpose: keeping farmers farming.
Is Your Farm Fully Protected?
Farming is inherently unpredictable. Whether we face cyclones, floods, or market shifts, resilience doesn’t mean standing alone, it means leaning on others, planning for tomorrow, and having trusted support in your corner.
As women in agriculture, it’s worth asking yourself today, if disaster were to strike tomorrow, would your farm, your future, and your family be fully protected?
If you’re unsure, now is the time to act. Protecting your livelihood is more than safeguarding assets; it’s about securing the legacy and determination that define your story.
Building a Sustainable Future, Together
Having witnessed the devastation of Cyclone Winifred and Debbie, and everything in between, at the heart of every farming community lies compassion and shared resilience. These values help us overcome challenges and build the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future.
Because when we rise together, there’s no challenge we can’t overcome. Let’s continue to support and empower ourselves and each other to build stronger farms, families, and communities for generations to come.