Celebrating the International Day of Rural Women 2025

We first want to introduce Agustina Errico, a large animal veterinarian and master in Animal Reproduction from Argentina. Agustina works daily with cows in the field, combining her professional expertise with a deep passion for animal care. 

1. Can you tell us about your work experience in the rural world? 

I love what I do; I love my profession and being with the cows every day in the field. However, I must admit that it hasn’t been easy. The livestock environment is very male-dominated, and making your place in this world requires making a little noise, challenging norms, and insisting that it is possible.

2. What advice would you give to other rural women? 

Whenever someone tells you that you can’t do something, turn it into energy to make it happen.

Next, we introduce Marianne Kohlmeyer, a calf coach from Germany who empowers farmers with practical solutions, knowledge, and support in livestock management. Marianne advocates for the important but often invisible contributions women make on farms worldwide. 

1. Can you tell us about your work experience in the rural world? 

As a woman in agriculture, I know how much passion, knowledge, and perseverance goes into our daily work — and how often this remains invisible. That’s why International Day of Women in Rural Areas is more than just a date on the calendar for me: it highlights what women on farms around the world achieve — in supply, management, animal health, and the further development of our businesses. Through my work as a calf coach, I want to empower farmers — with sound knowledge, practical solutions, and an open ear for the challenges they face in the barn. Healthy calves don’t just happen. They are the result of good decisions, targeted care, and genuine concern. And it is often women who have this eye for detail — day after day, animal after animal.

2. What advice would you give to other rural women? 

I am proud to be part of this strong community — and I encourage all women to show your contribution to farm work, to make visible how innovative you are, and how diverse the role of women in agriculture is.

We also highlight Ilianna Palampouiki, who continues her family’s farming legacy with determination and pride. Her story reflects how perseverance and love for one’s work can turn humble beginnings into lasting success. 

1. Can you tell us about your work experience in the rural world? 

My parents started with one cow to raise us, and then they had another. The extra milk was sold to the milk collector of our village and the farm started growing. At the age of 20, I decided to continue and develop what my father had achieved, with great dedication, perseverance and conviction! Especially for a woman who has chosen this profession, the comments are harsh in the beginning… until the opposite is proven!

2. What advice would you give to other rural women? 

Don’t get discouraged, no matter how difficult things may seem. When you love and suffer something, success will always follow.

Finally, Dimitra Kafaltzi represents the new generation of livestock farmers combining tradition with innovation. Continuing her family’s dairy cow business, she strives to improve daily operations and promote sustainable management practices. 

1. Can you tell us about your work experience in the rural world? 

I have been involved in the livestock sector for nine years, continuing to run my father’s dairy cow farm. My main goal was to improve the way the farm operates by introducing new management methods.

2. What advice would you give to other rural women? 

To women working in the primary sector, a sector that is clearly male-dominated, I would advise them to continue with strength and passion, no matter how difficult it may be due to increased responsibilities.