Women in agriculture: The MD
8th March 2024
As part of our series marking International Women’s Day, we were able to grab a few minutes in the busy day of Stans van de Wetering, Managing Director of Mechan NL in the Netherlands. Mechan NL is a distributor of Fendt, Massey Ferguson and Valtra, working with 90 retail companies of which they own seven locations.
Why did you choose your current role?
I believe my current role chose me. Sometimes you don’t know if you are ready for a job until you actually do it.
Are there mentors or individuals who have inspired you in your career?
Yes, there have been several people who have given me wise pieces of advice. I would love to share with you:
Don’t fear the wrong decision. It is always better than no decision at all ~ Heimen van Diest
Block time in your calendar to think about your strategy. If you don’t the operational issues will keep you so busy there will be no strategy ~ Eric Kraan
The 2024 International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does this mean for you in your role?
I am hoping for the next step in emancipation or inclusion where we don’t have to talk about gender, colour or preferences but can talk about someone’s qualities as a person or an employee first.
What factors have been key in supporting you in your career?
Customers who have invited me into their companies to show me the hidden world of agriculture and my husband who supports me to work in the most exciting branch I know.
What is the most important piece of advice you would give to other women who would like to pursue a similar career path?
Don’t question your decisions. You are going to make mistakes, but you are not going to make them because of your gender. You are going to make them because of lack of experience or because you showed a little too much courage, like any other young person.
International Women’s Day takes place in March each year and highlights the achievements of women around the world. This year it focusses on inspiring the inclusion of women in areas where they may not be fully represented, to give them the opportunity to reach their full potential. #InspireInclusion
An increasing number of young women are getting their hands dirty by opting for careers fixing tractors and farm machinery. We talked to a female trainee technician at an AGCO Dealership in the UK, to find out about her job.