Professional dog trainer Erin Williams nominated for 2022 Agrifutures NSW Rural Womens Award

Ms Williams, a professional dog trainer specialising in the use of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs), was "pleasantly surprised" to be announced as a finalist for the award and said she hoped to inspire more women to work in rural agriculture.

"When I did my agricultural studies, women weren't given the same consideration as they are today so it's been wonderful to see that progress and wonderful to see so much support," Ms Williams said.

"It's just wonderful to see so many women being supported not only emotionally and psychologically and for their projects, but also financially because we really need that to be able to develop our projects.

"I'm so proud to be representing my region and the Upper Hunter Valley especially."

Ms Williams said she was motivated to establish her business, Livestock Guardian Dogs Australia, to promote a science-based approach to implementing the use of LGDs as a strategy to protect livestock from predators.

"It's not big here (in Australia) because there's no real leadership or advocacy for the strategy like there is in the United States or even in Europe," she said.

"It's considered the primary strategy because it's absolutely so successful over there when it's done in the right way but in Australia, it's a little bit haphazard.

"There's a lot of experience on the ground but not a lot of science or an evidence based approach to it, so I'm trying to bring that here because that's my background."

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell said Ms Williams had been selected for her potential to impact, innovate and contribute to enhancing the prosperity of rural and regional Australia.

"Women are a driving force in innovation in our regions and The AgriFutures™ Rural Women's Award is a testament to the positive influence more and more women are making in business and agriculture," Mr Layzell said.

NSW Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the winner of the Rural Women's Award will be announced at the Rural Women's Gathering in Forbes in April, and will receive a $15,000 Westpac bursary to enhance their projects in addition to access to business, leadership and mentoring opportunities.

The winner will also go on to compete for the national award later in the year.

"Through her passion and commitment, Erin has demonstrated strong leadership and is empowering others along the way, and I thank her not just for the impact she is having on our local community, but for her contribution to rural communities across the nation," Mr Saunders said.

"I am delighted the NSW Government continues to support this award to raise awareness of programs like Livestock Guardian Dogs and publicly recognise the achievements of women."

The other finalists for the 2022 NSW/ACT Rural Women's Award include: