In celebration of International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on March 8, we heard from leading women within the field of agriculture and rural enterprise, helping to inspire others whilst bringing home the truths of their roles.
With the recent announcement of the NFU first female president Minette Batters stepping down from her role, following her conduct of a high-profile role in agriculture, other women are being encouraged to follow suit.
Statistics are showing an increase in the role women have in agriculture as land-based colleges are reporting an even split, with women enrolling up to 50% of the agri placements by SRUC – just 37% five years prior.
Harper Adams University also logged a 41.3% uptake on female agri students during 2022/23 – compared to 23.6% a decade before.
Programme director of wellbeing at Farmstrong Alix Ritchie, believes social media is making waves from the usual stereotype of men being the sole image of a farmer.
She explained: “There are so many women out there who are telling the story of agriculture,
“Not only are they positively sharing their working days, but they are educating the public about the work involved in producing high quality, sustainable food.
“The other thing I have noticed is that women in agriculture are supportive and promote each other, from a simple word of encouragement through to getting together to share face-to-face experiences, support and advice.”
During Alixs' time not spent at Farmstrong, she serves on the Women in Agriculture Scotland committee.
“It’s so encouraging to see women take up positions at all levels.
Alix adds: “If agricultural students are now 50% female, we now need to ask if the agricultural organisations that represent them are reflective of this? There are a few good examples, but some have a long way to go.”
Aberdeenshire-based food and agri-business marketing agent Jane Craigie believes, like Alix, that ‘building each other up’ is something women do best.
Jane said: “Over the years I have taken advantage of leadership training to build confidence and fight the dreaded imposter syndrome,”
“One of the main things I have learnt is to be true to yourself and stick to your values. It is amazing how many women within the agri sector take the time to build each other up and offer their support; something as an industry we should be very proud of.
She continues: “A huge step for me was employing people, to have the confidence to grow the business to the next stage.”
Imposter syndrome is something chief executive of Quality Meat Scotland Sarah Millar felt during the start of her career. Sarah now carriers out a high-profile role in promoting Scotland’s red meat industry, worth just shy of £3m to the Scottish economy.
“I was fine talking to the farmers - I’m one of them, being a farmer’s daughter and married to a farmer - but the high-value corporate companies felt like a challenge to begin with.” she explained.
“It was like we came from different worlds - which we did. Over time I learnt that if you know your stuff and have done your preparation this sector treats you equally to any man.”
Sarah expressed wonder over her age, she is only 32, as being the reason she felt like her gender was a barrier.
“We are just one female short of having an equal gender split on the QMS board. When you consider the first woman was appointed to the board 20 years ago, that shows what great strides have been made over recent years.
“I think we, as women in the privileged position of leadership, are always happy to keep strengthening the ladder for those coming behind us.”
Sarah's career has provided her with great travel opportunities including the latest COP 28 summit in Dubai. However, Sarah agrees her highlights have been on home ground when speaking at the Royal Highland Show, just three months after starting her QMS role.
“Like so many farming families, the Highland Show is ingrained in our DNA, but I could never have imagined when I was a little girl that one day, I would be delivering the massive presence QMS has at the show and standing up and speaking to all those people.”
Sarah also manages her career with being a mother to three-year-old Grace, Sarah's motto is: “I can have it all - but not all at once.”
“What I mean is I prioritise work and family,”
“But because of this I am not going to the gym, I am not baking cakes for the office and some nights it’s a microwavable meal - but I get to take Grace to nursery, and I do my job well.”
“Trying to have and do everything all of the time doesn’t work. There is no shame in having a cleaner and not mending your husband’s trousers!”
Managing director of Scottish Quality Crops Teresa Dougall didn’t come from a farming background as she began her path into agriculture, she first enrolled as a personal assistant to the finance director at a livestock market.
At 21-years-old Teresa came straight from college into her new role, having got the ‘farming bug’ when she was a clerk for the auctioneers.
Going on to set up her own farm administration business which was unfortunately wiped out overnight as a result of foot and mouth disease. Teresa then found herself working for Defra in overseeing the cleansing and disinfection of infected farmers, then progressing to director of regions for NFU Scotland after 10 years working for Scottish Land and Estates.
Teresa reflects: “I think it’s a real credit to the agricultural industry that doors have never been shut to me - either because I’m a woman or didn’t come from a farming background,”
She adds a smile as she reflects on the fact that regardless of her busy workload, she managed to get the time to take her collie Jasper out for his birthday.
“I’ve always believed that the only person who can stop you doing something you want is yourself. Having said that, I do believe life is made much easier if you actually enjoy your work and would encourage young women not to feel under pressure to take the first job offer, to find a career they feel passionately about.”
Experience does not fall short either for Julia Latto who worked for Scottish Enterprise for over 25 years. She led several national rural projects, bringing advantages for both the economy and wider community, including the Rural Leadership Programme and Agritourism Monitor Farm.
Julia also participates on the board of the Oxford Farming Conference and is a member of the International Association of Programmes for Agriculture.
Her career began when her interest into entrepreneurship and economic development sparked at just 17-years-old during her first day as office junior in a textile business in her hometown of Hawick.
“They made me feel like family straight away and ignited my passion for ensuring businesses in rural areas are sustainable,” recalls Julia, who is a mother of two grown-up daughters and a son.
She reflects: “It’s just amazing to think that when I started out as the office junior it was on a typewriter.”
Throughout her career Julia has travelled across the world including Australia, the USA and South Korea, which resulted in “plenty of juggling” when her family was younger, plus fitting in time as a visiting researcher at Edinburgh University plus achieving a degree in Business and Enterprise.
Julia adds: “My advice to other women is simple really,
“I truly believe everyone has got a talent and potential and if you have a positive mindset, you will find something you love. Don’t forget to find time to stay connected and speak to others though; there are a lot of lovely women out there extremely willing to offer help and support.”
SIX SECRETS OF SUCCESS:
Don’t try and be a domestic goddess when you get home from a hard day at work, prioritise what is really important.
Build each other up. Taking the time to support others is always time well spent.
Most people have times in their life when they suffer from imposter syndrome. Be true to yourself, stick to your values and you’ll soon shake it off.
Find a job that you can feel passionate about; this can help career satisfaction more than salary or holiday allowance.
If in doubt, ask. There is no shame in asking for help.
Work experience is a great way of finding out whether a career option is right for you; even if it isn’t placements are a good addition to your cv.
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