A pioneering pig farmer from Young and a natural resource management leader from Cumnock have been named as finalists in the 2014 Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) NSW-ACT Rural Women’s Award, Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, announced today.

“Edwina Beverage and Pip Job were selected as finalists for the 2014 award, overcoming some tough competition from a field of skilled, highly committed and enterprising women from across NSW,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Edwina leads a team of 30 people on her pig farm in south-western NSW, and made history by becoming the first ‘carbon’ farm in Australia.

“Pip Job, based in Cumnock in central NSW, is the chief executive officer of the Little River Landcare Group, a board member of the Central Tablelands Local Land Services and an executive committee member of Landcare NSW.

“Both Edwina and Pip are strong examples of women who live and work in rural NSW, while also maintaining a national focus.

“They are both innovative, extremely committed to their industries and are applying modern technology to benefit rural communities, primary industries and the environment.”

The winner of the prestigious award will be announced on 25 March 2014, at a gala dinner at Sydney’s Parliament House.

“These women are inspirational, because in addition to excelling in their chosen fields, they are also acting as role models for other women. I congratulate Edwina and Pip on their achievements, and being named as finalists for this year’s award,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The winner of the 2014 RIRDC Rural Women’s Award will receive a bursary of $10,000, and both the winner and runner-up will participate in the RIRDC Australian Institute of Company Directors’ course.”

The NSW-ACT winner will compete for the Australian RIRDC Rural Women’s Award to be announced later this year in Canberra.

The Rural Women’s Award is co-ordinated by NSW Rural Women’s Network through the Department of Primary Industries, and is sponsored by the Office of Environment and Heritage, NSW Farmers’ Association, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and the Country Women’s Association of NSW.