Ms Simson was invited to speak at the meeting in recognition of the Year of the Farmer.

In her speech, Ms Simson said she told the women her story and journey to becoming the association’s first female president and how she balanced her time with the role.

“I spoke about how women have a strong partnership in farming,” she said.

She also discussed food sustainability and security and the need for upfront planning and education to connect people to where their food comes from.

“People used to have aunties and uncles, grannies and grandpas who lived in the county, but now they don’t and they go on planes and fly overseas, so we’re trying to get people to connect with the country,” she said.

After the speech, Ms Simson sat down with The Young Witness to discuss the current situation in the bush.

“It’s been a good season,” she said.

“Despite floods and natural disasters occurring around the country, [farming’s] quite healthy and prospects are good.”

Because of the drought in America, grain prices in Australia were at an all time high, she said.

Of the CWA she said, “It’s been a fantastic association for rural women for many years.”

She said the Farmer’s association and the CWA had common interests and worked together on many issues, such as the impact of foreign investment and coal seam gas mining on the farming industry.

Ms Simson also discussed her recent re-elected into her position as president.

“It’s always very exciting and overwhelming to be given the support of members for the next 12 months,” she said.

“There are lots of issues facing farming, so it’s good to continue in the role and work on these,”

“It would be good to get some really good positive tangible outcomes for Farmers in NSW.”

Meanwhile, CWA South West Group President Ruth Daintith said the CWA were very pleased at Ms Simson’s visit.

“It’s a great honour for her to come seeing it’s the year of the farmer,” she said.