Adding the 'female element' into a family legacy spanning five generations, Jen Jeffreys is on a mission to cement her proud mixed-farming history squarely in the future.
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As well as taking over the helm of the Weebollabolla company and Northern NSW enterprises, the progressive producer has been recognised for her forward thinking and business saviness.
Mrs Jeffreys has been named this year's Rabobank Dr John Morris' Business Development Prize, and there's no shortage of reasons why.
An impressive business plan, comprehensively strategising the various components of her family's northern NSW enterprise are just two elements securing her the annual trans-Tasman business prize.
The next generation's management style will be entirely different, particularly given the female element and the fact we're spread across the state.
- Jen Jeffreys
The Munro family is one of the region's earliest settlers, and has owned Weebollabolla, Moree since 1873 and Boonal, Boggabilla since 1890.
But now they are turning over a new leaf as Ms Jeffreys and her three sisters begin to take the reins over from their father Sandy Munro.
Who, of course, will continue to play a valuable part in the company which has interests all across the state.
Previously the company's director, Ms Jeffreys is now the figure-head.
She plans to continue and improve their "adapt to succeed" approach, which will see them continually reassess the company's strengths and weaknesses.
"The next generation's management style will be entirely different, particularly given the female element and the fact we're spread across the state," explained Ms Jeffreys.
"[T]he role of technology is crucial considering I live over 1000km away."
While their base is located in Moree, Mrs Jeffreys now lives with her three children and husband John, on his own family operation in Delgate.
Ms Jeffreys is one of 29 participants from across Australia and New Zealand taking part in the 23rd Executive Development Program, which for the first time was delivered online due to COVID-19.
With her family's operation spanning livestock, feedlotting and cropping over two geographic regions, Ms Jeffreys said it was imperative they could accurately measure and analyse where the greatest gains per hectare could be made.
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Over the course of the pandemic, a focus has been placed on how to better utilise the company's plant and people.
Program director Robin Stonecash said Ms Jeffreys' project was impressive on several levels.
"The business she is running is complex, with multiple enterprises, however Jen had a clear vision of how all the component parts fit together and reinforced each other," he explained.
