Mrs Rushton has been serving rural communities for more than 17 years and was recently awarded the Elders operational performance award for this month.

“I truly am tickled pink to be recognised with this award but honestly think it takes a team effort for one person to shine,” Mrs Rushton said.

“I’m supported by a very strong-willed and hardworking team who motivate me in my work every day.”

Tasmania is currently experiencing rapid growth as Elders continues to increase its agency footprint in the state.

In the first phase of this expansion, Elders took a major stake in the state’s burgeoning dairy sector with the addition of a dairy agency business and its employees from a competitor.

This has put Elders in the box seat to source and sell young dairy cattle for herd improvement and new dairy businesses, as well as giving it another entry platform in the Chinese market through the supply of dairy heifers.

In the second phase of development, Elders strengthened its retail presence in the north-east by adding the Winnaleah operation to its existing stores in Scottsdale and Launceston.

This latest move also gives Elders six retail stores in key farming areas of Tasmania - Launceston, Scottsdale, Winnaleah, Devonport, King Island and Bothwell.

In addition to supporting Elders teams across Tasmania, Mrs Rushton recently helped organise a “Women in Agriculture” day for female clients of the branch who, like Elders, had been through tough times as a result of bushfires and drought.

“We’ve all been through our fair share of trials and – farming women responsible for keeping the back end of the farm running are no different,” Mrs Rushton said.

“Men often have an outlet, like the sale yards or golf days, but we found a lot of wives were isolated.”

 Mrs Rushton and her team Lorraine Shaw, Andrea Reid, Lyn Allen, and Gayle Hendrick-Cox arranged a day that allowed female clients to relax, unwind, and connect with one another.

The event was attended by 120 women and included guest speakers, a fashion parade, high tea, wine tasting and massages.

Elders general manager – south zone Malcolm Hunt praised Kaylene for ongoing commitment to her clients, in and out of the office.

“Kaylene’s concern for her clients extends well beyond her role,” Mr Hunt said.

As part of her win, Mrs Rushton has been invited to attend the annual One Elders Awards dinner in December.