A new chapter in agriculture

A TRADITIONALLY male dominated industry, women are now having an expanding influence in the agriculture sector. While they only hold 13 per cent of leadership roles across the industry many women have moved into actively leading major stockfeed enterprises.

Kel Elevato is one woman who has done so, having made the move from leadership in the veterinary industry to business owner and director in the field of stockfeeds and rural supplies, opening Surfcoast Rural in Torquay in September 2024.

Stepping out of surgical scrubs and into steel caps and workwear made sense for Kel, having had a rural background working on large-scale cattle, sheep and cropping properties across the country from a young age.

“I moved back home to the Surf Coast in early 2024 and noticed a gap in the market and a need in the community after the closure of Torquay Stockfeeds in 2023,” she said.

“I knew I had an adaptable business skillset to pull across from the running of a group of 12 veterinary hospitals and emergency centres to make Surfcoast Rural a success.

“There were some skeptics in the early phases of business development, and certainly an undertone in regard to being a sole woman opening an agriculture store.

“I knew the Surf Coast community were missing their local small business stockfeed store and I felt I was the person to provide that service back to the community despite being a woman and any challenges that could bring.

“It is far from a glamorous day at the office. It is physically demanding, your hands are constantly dirty and you manage to take home a bale of hay a day in your hair and clothing! But there is absolutely no reason why a job like this cannot be performed by a woman or performed any less successfully.

“My most loved role within the business is still being able to offer advice and guidance to customers on the nutritional needs, health and husbandry of their pets and livestock.”

Surfcoast Rural offers much more than just stockfeeds. The business stocks a range of farm and rural equipment and infrastructure from traditional and electric fencing materials to spray tanks, ag chemicals and vermin control.

It also offers a range of services including trailer and horse float hire, dog grooming, dog obedience and puppy school and a home delivery service.

Surfcoast Rural has a strong focus on supporting local small businesses in its day-to-day operations.

It sources supplies from neighbouring businesses and collaborating with local producers and makers across the products sold in store.

Surfcoast Rural is located at 5/22 Cylinders Drive, Torquay.

For more information, head to surfcoastrural.com.au or phone 4252 8322.