Celebrating Rural Women and Global Opportunities in Agriculture
All Images provided by Alanna Hansford.
RIST is proud to celebrate Alanna Hansford, a rising star in Australian agriculture whose passion, resilience, and ambition are inspiring the next generation.
At just 21, Alanna has already made remarkable strides in her career. Originally from the South West of Victoria, she grew up splitting her time between her family’s dairy farm near Cobden and town life. Earlier this year, she and her partner Ryan bought a house in the Wimmera/Mallee region, a big move that brought both challenges and exciting opportunities.
Alanna completed her Certificate IV in Agriculture with RIST as a stepping stone to advance her career beyond farm-hand roles. “I wanted the knowledge and the qualification that could allow me to take the next step in my career. I had worked in the industry since I was 16 and was ready to bump up to something more,” she says.
She loved the field trips and hands-on learning experiences: “Being able to see what we were learning in person made the course so engaging. The trainers made it fun and inspiring, and the people I studied alongside were amazing.”
The highlight of Alanna’s journey so far? Being awarded the prestigious Global Footprints Scholarship.
This scholarship will give her the incredible opportunity to travel internationally, learn from innovative agricultural practices around the world, and bring that knowledge back to benefit Australian farming communities.
Alanna describes the moment she learned she had won as “surreal… I was speechless, genuinely so excited I was jumping up and down”.
Alanna credits mentors and supporters for helping her reach this milestone. She highlights farmers like Jon and Brad for providing hands-on opportunities, and Gaye Cameron, a past RIST teacher, who encouraged her to apply for the scholarship.
“The people who helped me get to this position are my heroes, and now I get the ability to be that person for others,” she says.
Despite personal challenges, including health issues, balancing study and work, and relocating to a new region, Alanna’s determination and support networks have helped her grow personally and professionally. Looking ahead, she aims to further her studies in animal nutrition and agronomy, attend agricultural conferences across Australia and beyond, and continue making a difference in the industry.
Her advice to aspiring agriculturalists, especially rural women, is clear: “Don’t let anyone discourage you! You are more capable than you’ll ever believe. Just go for it! You can’t succeed if you don’t give it a go.”
Alanna also shares words of wisdom she lives by:
“You’re part of something bigger, feeding a nation, and often the world, is no small task. Every early morning, hard decision, and tough season is part of a legacy that truly matters.”
“The land teaches patience, success in agriculture rarely happens overnight. Keep showing up, growth takes time.”
“Embrace innovation but respect tradition. Keep learning and adapting, but remember the old ways often carry wisdom too.”
“Mental health matters. Farming can be isolating and stressful. Take care of yourself, check in with others, and never hesitate to reach out. There’s strength in speaking up.”
At RIST, we are proud to celebrate students like Alanna, who are shaping the future of agriculture while inspiring others to also dream big, take opportunities, and make a global impact.
If like Alanna, you’re keen to explore a career path in Agriculture, the Certificate IV in Agriculture at RIST just might be the right step for you! Hit the button below to learn more, or call the RIST office on 1800 883 343 to discuss 2026 enrolment opportunities.
