RMIS Women Celebrate the Vital Role of Women in Agriculture at Soul to Soil 2026

The women from the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) team proudly attended Soul to Soil 2026 yesterday, Food For Mzansi and AGDA’s flagship Women’s Month event celebrating women who grow, lead, innovate and drive progress across South African agriculture. The event brought together farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, researchers, executives and industry leaders for meaningful conversations and opportunities to share knowledge and experiences. For women working across agriculture, gatherings like these provide an important platform to recognise their contribution and discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector. The event also highlighted the wide range of roles women occupy, from working directly on farms to leading businesses, conducting research and developing new agricultural solutions. RMIS was proud to be part of a gathering that recognised the strength and contribution of women who continue to play an important role in the future of South African farming.

Women make a significant contribution across the agricultural value chain, including South Africa’s red meat industry. Their work extends from livestock production and animal health to research, technology, administration, entrepreneurship and industry leadership. On farms, women contribute to the day-to-day management of livestock, business operations and decisions that influence productivity and sustainability. In veterinary services and animal health, women help support better livestock care and disease management, while researchers and technology specialists continue to develop solutions that can benefit producers. These contributions demonstrate that women are active participants in building a stronger red meat sector and are helping shape the future of livestock farming in South Africa.

For the red meat industry, the participation of women brings valuable knowledge, skills and perspectives to a sector that continues to face changing conditions. Farmers and livestock producers must navigate animal health concerns, market pressures, climate challenges, rising input costs and the need for more efficient production systems. Women working throughout the value chain are contributing to practical responses to these challenges through farming, research, innovation and business leadership. Their involvement also helps ensure that important conversations about the future of agriculture include a broad range of experiences from across the sector. Recognising these contributions is important because a resilient agricultural industry depends on the participation and expertise of people working at every level of the value chain.

Soul to Soil 2026 also created an opportunity for stakeholders to connect and learn from one another. Networking between farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers and industry leaders can lead to the sharing of practical knowledge, new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration. These relationships are particularly valuable in agriculture, where producers and other industry participants often need to work together to address common challenges. Discussions around innovation, technology, sustainability and agricultural development can help identify approaches that have practical value for farmers and businesses. By participating in these conversations, RMIS continues to engage with stakeholders who are committed to strengthening South African agriculture and supporting the people who work within it.

The event also served as an opportunity to recognise the resilience and determination of women working in agriculture. Many women continue to build successful farming businesses, manage livestock operations, develop agricultural enterprises and contribute to research and industry development. Their achievements provide valuable examples for young women who are considering careers in farming, veterinary services, agricultural science, technology and other areas of the sector. Creating greater visibility for these women can help encourage more participation and show that agriculture offers opportunities across a wide range of professions. Celebrating their achievements during Women’s Month is therefore an important way of recognising the contribution they already make while encouraging the next generation to become involved in agriculture.

For RMIS, attending Soul to Soil 2026 was more than an opportunity to celebrate Women’s Month. It was a chance to engage with fellow agricultural stakeholders, recognise the contribution of women and contribute to discussions about the future of the sector. Women remain an important part of the red meat value chain, from the farm and livestock production to animal health, research, technology and leadership. Their dedication, resilience and innovation continue to support the development of a stronger and more sustainable agricultural industry. RMIS looks forward to continuing these conversations and supporting an agricultural sector where women can participate, lead and contribute fully. The organisation’s participation at Soul to Soil 2026 reflects a commitment to celebrating women in agriculture while working with farmers and industry stakeholders to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for South African agriculture.