This program creates career pathways and builds support networks to encourage greater female participation in the greenkeeping sector
John Deere has announced a major boost to its Women in Turf Program for 2025, collaborating with leading global environmental science company, Envu, and the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) to take the initiative to the next level.
The Women in Turf program creates career pathways and builds support networks to encourage greater female participation in Australia’s greenkeeping sector. Previously the program included opportunities for female turf specialists to volunteer at major events, including a global football tournament and PGA events at Cobram Barooga Golf Club in 2023 and 2024.
Kicking off in January 2025, the strengthened program will combine another work placement opportunity at the Webex Cobram Barooga Players Series event, plus a year-long mentoring and development program designed to empower and support women making their mark in the industry.
Tailored for women at various stages of their careers, the one-on-one mentoring and career support will give them the opportunity to connect with experienced industry professionals, gain valuable leadership insights, and build the skills and confidence to allow them to thrive in the turf industry.
The career experience and personal mentoring will be complemented by a range of online learning sessions led by industry professionals, and the chance to mentor other women taking part in Women in Turf.
John Deere Australia and New Zealand Small Ag and Turf Marketing Manager, Erin Wagstaff, said John Deere was thrilled to work with Envu and ASTMA to evolve the Women in Turf Program in 2025.
“We are dedicated to empowering women in the sports turf industry through work placements and ongoing mentorship,” Ms Wagstaff said.
“The program offers essential professional development opportunities while fostering a sense of community among female greenkeepers, which is crucial in an industry predominantly occupied by men.
“This initiative also allows us to highlight the outstanding contributions women are making in greenkeeping, inspiring greater female involvement in the future. We believe we are just beginning to realise the full potential impact of this program.”
Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand at Envu, Rachel Carson, said collaborating with ASTMA and John Deere to improve the Women in Turf Program marks an exciting new chapter for all three organisations.
“Our shared goal is to create a supportive community and nurture the next generation of female leaders – something Envu is passionate about supporting across all the industries we work with,” Ms Carson said.
The collaboration aims to enhance John Deere’s initiative, and the ASTMA program established in 2022 as part of their Women in Sports Turf Management Strategy.
“Reflecting on the progress made since we introduced the Women in Turf Strategy two years ago, we are absolutely delighted to collaborate with John Deere and Envu to evolve and improve the mentorship program,” CEO of ASTMA, Mark Unwin, said.
“This alignment underscores the commitment from all three organisations to create positive change within turf management by enhancing female participation, supporting their continued development and helping strengthen the participation of women in turf management.”
Enrolments in the 2025 Women in Turf Program are now open until Friday 15 November. Registrations will be reviewed by a panel of advisers including John Deere, ASTMA and Envu employees, and selected mentees will be formally notified during the week of 24 November.
For more information and to enrol, see more on this link.
