Breaking down barriers in the ag industry

Despite being hit by floods in late 2023, this Gippsland woman is determined to share the good news story of agriculture with the next generation.

When Tahirih McLeod’s son came home from school one day with pointed questions about agriculture’s role in climate change, she knew she had to do something to close the chasm separating paddock from plate.

It’s a journey that has seen the 41-year-old revolutionise on-farm sentiment and tackle agricultural education head-on, with the aim of making the industry a better place for both employees and those interested in where their food comes from.

Tahirih, alongside her husband Ryan, runs Dicky Bill Australia, growing salad greens across two farms at Maffra in Victoria’s east, and Queensland.

Tahirih McLeod, sales & marketing manager Dicky Bill, Maffra, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

After relocating from Queensland 12 months ago, the McLeods have battled through massive floods, which caused more than $3.5m in damages, and saw the family living in alternative accommodation after their home was flooded.

Despite the personal challenges she and her family faced, Tahirih has been laser focused on changing ag workplace culture and sentiment from the ground up.

Tahirih’s passion for advocating for the agriculture industry stemmed from a conversation with her son, when he asked her pointedly why farmers “destroy the environment” after learning about erosion at school.

The moment led her to reach out not only to the school, but to industry bodies such as AusVeg to open a dialogue about agricultural education off the farm.

“Let’s work out what dialogue we’re teaching our kids,” Tahirih said.

“The principal was fantastic, and got us to present to the whole cohort, telling them about our sustainable practices, and giving a sense of where our food comes from.”

This focus on creating a long-term sustainable industry that’s respected and understood also colours Tahirih’s work on-farm, where she works to empower her employees – about 160 across Victoria and Queensland – to voice both ideas and concerns.

“Ryan and I have an open door policy. It’s about being approachable,” Tahirih said.

“I’m all about changing the dialogue, and these career opportunities start really young. We’re in an environment where regional locations don’t have access to as many people, and trying to fill a role is difficult.

“It’s about changing the way people view working in the industry. It’s a big part of it. We’re all a cog in the end product, and without even one of those cogs, it doesn’t work.

“You want that sense of pride.”

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