The Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award has been won by many influential women involved in the dairy sector and is coveted by many others working in the industry.
With nominations open for this year’s award, we look back on our most recent winner Lianne Farrow, to see how her connection with the award has influenced her and her most recent decision to travel to New Zealand to work in dairy farming on the other side of the world.
Lianne openly admits winning the award happened at a crossroads in her life when she was feeling lost from the pressures of juggling life as a mum and the pressures of being involved in the day to day running of the dairy farm. Finding career progression and branching out within the industry is something she’s found difficult, with options limited, for women raising a family whilst living on a working farm.
Lianne explains how winning the award gave her the confidence to believe in her capabilities and continue with a career in the dairy industry.
This is reflected in her family’s decision to now move to the other side of the world, taking an opportunity to farm in New Zealand, thousands of miles from home.
She explains: “The confidence I’ve gained from the award will help me when meeting others and I’m really looking forward to connecting with New Zealand’s Women Dairy Network.
“With the role of women crucial to the industry, groups and networks such as Women in Dairy, are vital in equipping women with the knowledge and confidence they need to continue their contribution to the sector.”
With the percentage of women in farming continuing to rise, and their roles recognised for their invaluable contribution, industry groups such as Women in Dairy play an integral role. Not only do they provide a space for women to share knowledge and learn they also give the chance to connect with other female advocates for the farming industry.
Lianne says she felt honoured someone had taken the time to nominate her for the award.
“If you’re reading this and you think there’s someone you know who fits with the Women in Dairy values of connect, share and inspire who is connected to the dairy sector in any shape or form then I’d encourage you to nominate them,” she urges.
“Even if you don’t win, just being nominated is a huge confidence boost, and you’d be surprised how much of an impact it could have when it comes to making a difference to somebody’s self-esteem on both a personal and professional level.”
The award aligns with the Women in Dairy values – connect, share, inspire – and nominations should reflect these qualities. If you know of an individual who demonstrates these values through their everyday work within the industry then we want to hear from you.
Examples of practice of these values could be how individuals connect with a wider audience through any channels such as open days, social media, discussion groups or schools; how they share their experience to enhance other people whether it’s employees, apprentices or external contacts; the way their positivity encourages others to try something new.
Nomination forms can be found at www.womenindairy.co.uk and all entries must be submitted by 28 July 2023. This year the award will be open to self-nominations.
The winner will be announced at the Women in Dairy Conference, taking place at Churchfields Farm, Salwarpe, on Wednesday 27 September.