The finalists are representative of the diverse industries and enterprises in the state, Agriculture Minister Joe Helper said.

“Finalists were chosen based on demonstration of their commitment to the future sustainability of primary industries, their potential to achieve and deliver benefits to their industry, and how they provide leadership and share their skills and knowledge with their communities.”

The five Victorian women selected as finalists for the Rural Women’s Award are:

• Alana Johnson, a beef producer from Benalla;

• Claire Penniceard, a pig producer from Euroa;

• Prue Addlem, Chair of the Young Agribusiness Professionals from Serpentine;

• Rowan O’Hagan, farm financial management educator from Wangaratta; and

• Susan Findlay Tickner, a dryland farmer from Horsham.

Victorian and National 2009 Rural Women’s Award Winner, Woolsthorpe dairy farmer Roma Britnell, said winning the award has been a great opportunity and has given her the platform to profile the importance of agriculture to the nation.

“We need to send a message of sustainable, environmentally proactive and responsible farming, and women are well-placed to share this message through the work they do every day, on and off farm,” Mrs Britnell said.

The Victorian winner will be rewarded with a $10,000 bursary to help support their leadership development and both the winner and the runner-up will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Australian Institute of Company Director Course in Canberra.

The Victorian winner will be announced on March 11 at Parliament House and will then join winners from other states and territories for the national award, to be announced in Canberra in May.