As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s worth recognising the vital role women play in agriculture, including the cotton industry. Jessie Schwager is one of many young women shaping the future of the cotton industry in Australia.

Growing up in Narrabri, Jessie Schwager was surrounded by people involved in the cotton industry. It’s these people who inspired her to pursue her own career in cotton, studying at the Memphis Cotton School before joining the industry as a commodity broker in 2015.

“I find the cotton industry especially welcoming and inclusive, and it makes me want to be involved,” Jessie said.

“I am continuously amazed at how much people across the various facets of the industry will get behind each other to support, guide, teach and help.”

As a commodity broker for Priag Marketing, Jessie works closely with growers, merchants, and ginners to manage ginning and lint selling negotiations, analyse P&D schedules, and optimise outcomes for clients.

It’s the deep satisfaction of helping clients succeed that Jessie loves most about her job.

“I pride myself on being able to think outside the square and come up with solutions away from the norm to achieve a desired outcome,” she said.

“I enjoy strategising and being able to come up with a marketing plan for a farmer rather than just being a broker that gets base value and ‘ticks and flicks’ tonnage, as I believe it also provides the best opportunities for businesses to grow.”

Her involvement in the marketing and logistics of her own family farming business gives Jessie a unique perspective and a practical understanding of growers’ needs which she said makes her job more fulfilling.

In addition to her role as a broker, Jessie is actively involved in local industry committees and grower events, delivering marketing presentations and educational sessions for younger farmers. She also contributes regularly to Cotton Grower magazine, sharing insights and knowledge with the wider industry.

As a full-time working mum, Jessie’s days are fast-paced, jam-packed and driven by market movement.

“No two days in this job are ever the same,” she said.

Having stepped into a more senior role with Priag Marketing, Jessie successfully applied for the 2026 Future Cotton Leaders program to continue building the skills she needs to support her clients effectively.

“I wanted to be able to continue my learning and contribute more meaningfully to our industry,” she said.

“As I am looking after a grower’s largest asset, I believe it is essential to further develop my skills so I can better support their needs and deliver the highest level of service.”

As a Future Cotton Leader, Jessie hopes to develop meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of the various facets of the industry from her fellow participants. She is grateful for the support she has received from colleagues, growers and peers, crediting their encouragement and the opportunities they’ve provided as instrumental to her growth and development.

As we mark International Women’s Day, Jessie reflects on how much the industry has evolved since she began. In her early years, she was often one of only a few women at field days or meetings. Today, women can sometimes outnumber men at these events, with strong female representation across the entire supply chain.

“Women absolutely have a seat at the table,” she said.

“Yes, we sometimes feel we need to work a little harder to be heard, but that extra effort builds capability and confidence and ultimately strengthens the industry as a whole.”

Jessie is proud to see more women in management, leadership and board roles, and International Women’s Day is a timely reminder of the evolving contributions women make to agriculture. The cotton industry continues to benefit from women like Jessie, who are committed to strengthening the sector.