ON a friend’s farm in dry 35 degree Australian heat, 27-year-old Cody Lee Jane Brighurst herds sheep with a charismatic smile on her face.
Despite sweat dripping from her forehead and the overpowering smell of hay and sheep in the air, Cody embraces the highly intense, fast-paced work that helps her passion thrive.
Cody wasn’t born into a farming family, working in aged care before making the dramatic switch to work in agriculture five years ago.
When asked what encouraged her to enter the industry, Cody says: “The thrill and the satisfaction of working livestock successfully and the freedom that comes with working in the country.”
Ruby, a determined farm dog, runs up and down the caged lane with Cody, occasionally on sheep backs to keep the herd moving.
Cody calls out to Ruby amidst the bleats and clanking metal fence, giving orders to help keep the unpredictable herd running in the right direction.
Having a supportive farm dog like Ruby proves to be a handy asset.
“My favourite thing to do would definitely be anything that involves working my dog,” Cody says.
I have trained a couple of working kelpies now and it’s definitely a huge passion of mine.”
Passion for the industry can be seen in Cody’s welcoming demeanour and felt from her radiating positive energy; projecting motivation, happiness and a sense of dedication to the people around her.
In a male-dominated industry, Cody feels the pressure to prove herself, but says women in the industry shouldn’t feel discouraged.
“I have found in certain jobs that I’ve worked in, there’s a lot of pressure to be able to have the strength and work skills that most male workers naturally have,” she says.
“You do have times where you second guess yourself and the decisions you make, as it is easy to feel judged, but over the past couple of years this is something I’ve learnt to put behind me as I know that I always work to the best of my ability and put everything into what I’m doing.
I have also learnt a lot from the guys I have worked with and built relationships with people that are willing to help me and give me non-judgemental advice, which is something I’ll always be thankful for.”
In 2022, Cody became a first-time mother and hopes to find balance in her newly-adjusted life.
“Becoming a mum has been the most challenging yet rewarding time of my life,” she says.
“It’s about finding that balance between being a mum, trying to bring in an income and making time for myself and others.
“She is definitely the light of my life, and I can’t wait to introduce her to the industry.”
Cody shares her excitement for the future of women in agriculture, while 10-month-old Shelby watches her work from the sidelines.
“I feel that there is somewhat of a stigma surrounding women in the industry, but… it is a lot more common than you would think, especially in shearing sheds,” Cody says.
“To be honest, you do get the odd bad opinion or comment but if you’re truly passionate about what you’re doing, you learn to put that all aside and ignore it.
The majority of males I’ve worked with have made me feel more welcome and respected within the workplace than some female workers actually have.”
After Cody finishes moving herds of sheep, with the hot sun still beaming down, Cody kneels besides Ruby, allowing her to drink from the water trough.
Slightly panting from the sweaty labour, Cody says that it “feels good getting back into work after having Shelby”.
“I’ve always enjoyed the hard work outdoors, especially with livestock,” she said. “So I’m glad I decided to take on the career challenge myself.”