Women in Dairy (WID) has been gaining traction since it was established in 2015, with member numbers and regional groups increasing yearly. With many face-to-face events kickstarting again this year, including the popular WID Conference in September, we speak to some members to find out what being a part of this group offers them.
Rosie Chandler, attends the Staffordshire WID Group
I joined WiD around the time it was launched. I participated in a "Fresh Start" course coordinated by RABDF when I moved home to join the family farming business (having spent 20 years working as a lawyer). Having just joined the industry, I was interested in meeting other women who were already forging a career in the dairy industry and learning from them. There are some really inspirational people involved in the group (Di Wastenage, Abi Reader, Karen Halton, to name just a few).
WID allows learning from your peers in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. It's a great place for knowledge sharing and gathering hints and tips. The monthly Zoom sessions held during lockdown were really good too, there were some fantastic presentations and it was good to meet people from across the country involved in the group.
WID allows me to meet up with other people in my area working in the industry. Also, the annual conferences are excellent, a great day out and attract excellent speakers. Heather Wildman is probably still my highlight.
Why join WID?
Farming can be all-consuming, so it's great to be prompted to take a bit of time out away from the farm. Whether it is for a social event, a farm walk or a presentation, you will always learn something and it means a lot to have a local network of people to connect with.
Isabel Moore, attends the Lancashire and Yorkshire WID Group
I joined WID in 2020. It's a very positive group to be part of, recognising that women have an integral role in many farming businesses and the wider industry.
Being a member has many benefits. The annual conference is a highlight. The online conference during the pandemic was impressive, with some brilliant speakers. Having a speaker such as Dr Nina von Keyserlingk (a highly influential professor in animal welfare) on the line-up demonstrates this group's influence.
WID is a great place to meet people. The first in-person meeting since Covid was a great networking opportunity. It has been nice to meet people in person that I'd only seen on a screen before!
Why join WID?
Women are doing great things in the dairy industry; being good farm staff, managing the farm, working in the allied industry, as I do, or doing international research. It's been a long time coming, but this group can help change perception and raise women's profiles in dairy.
Helen Whittaker, attends the Lancashire and Yorkshire WID Group
I have only recently joined WID (but have been meaning to do it for at least two years!). As women in dairy, we need to get together, make new friends, and take time to discuss relevant issues with like-minded people. I have been to two meetings (one virtual) and one in person and found them informative, friendly and a great place to socialise.
Why join WID?
Ours isn't an easy industry at the moment with all the negative publicity on TV and social media, so meetings like these are fab.
Message from WID Patron and founding member Di Wastenage, MBE
Women in Dairy was set up to bring like-minded people together to talk about the softer side of farming- topics such as succession planning, business and personal development, HR skills and market conditions. We also balance that out with more practical on-farm skills.
It's essential to recognise the skills set around the kitchen table and value those conversations, which is why bringing them together at meetings is important.
About WID
Women in Dairy is an initiative from The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), designed to bring women working in our industry together through regional discussion group meetings to learn, network and promote the image of dairy farming.
Our aims are:
· Connect – Bringing women together from across the dairy industry.
· Share – Exchange knowledge and experiences to develop skills and confidence.
· Inspire – Encouraging innovative thinking and vision for the future of UK dairy.
WID operates through a network of regional groups, which focus on various topics chosen by the groups. Joining is a great way to meet other women in your local area, learn and share skills and get involved in something new.
Each year WID hosts an annual, one-day conference in September. WID members receive a 25% discount on tickets for the conference, among other benefits.