Over the years, we’ve seen a shift in how the industry perceives women. From being pioneers in traditionally male-dominated spaces to leading innovative approaches to farming, women have proven time and again that they are an essential part of the agricultural world. But despite this progress, there are still challenges to overcome, and that's why it’s more important than ever to hear from women directly about their experiences.

To celebrate this day, we sat down with five remarkable women from different corners of the farming world to learn about their journeys, the obstacles they’ve faced, and the opportunities they see for the future. These women’s stories are a powerful reminder of the resilience and passion that women bring to the farming industry.

Their voices highlight not just the progress that’s been made but also the work still to be done to make farming more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all women. These conversations offer valuable insights into the role technology plays in shaping the future of farming and how, together, we can create a more supportive environment for women in agriculture.

We’re excited to share their stories with you today, as we celebrate the women who are changing the face of farming, one field at a time.

Breaking Barriers in Farming: Lisa’s Story

Lisa has been immersed in agriculture from a young age, growing up on a family farm before forging her own path in the industry. Initially pursuing a career in teaching, she eventually transitioned to farming full-time, taking on the role of Farm Manager in 2021.

With over 20 years of experience in breeding and showing livestock, Lisa is a champion-winning exhibitor, having claimed top honors with the Farm she runs Belted Galloways at the Royal Highland Show in 2023. She is also a panel judge for the Shetland Pony Stud Book Society and an active member of the Kinross Junior Agricultural Club.

Over the years, Lisa has seen attitudes towards women in agriculture shift. While farming remains a male-dominated industry, there is growing recognition of the vital role women play. “There's definitely more visibility now,” she says, pointing to the rise of female influencers and professionals in the field. “People are starting to acknowledge that women can do just as good a job as men.”

Lisa believes that while there are still challenges, the key to success is hard work, resilience, and refusing to take a back seat. “Sometimes, when you're surrounded by men, it's easy to let them take over. But if you get stuck in, work as hard, and prove yourself, you’ll earn the respect you deserve.”

"Sometimes, when you're surrounded by men, it's easy to let them take over. But if you get stuck in, work as hard, and prove yourself, you’ll earn the respect you deserve."

Lisa

She has also noticed more women stepping into leadership roles, proving that success in farming isn’t just about physical strength but about skill, knowledge, and dedication. “It used to be that women were always the secretary in clubs, while men were the chair. But now we have women leading organizations, sitting on boards, and making decisions that shape the industry.”

However, challenges remain. “Men often walk in with confidence, even when they don’t always know as much as you do,” she notes. “As women, we need to back ourselves more, take up space, and not be afraid to make mistakes—because that’s how you learn.” She encourages young women to embrace opportunities, work hard, and never stop learning. “Join young farmers’ groups, get involved in the community, and learn from those around you. You’ll never stop learning in this industry—every year is different, and there’s always something new to pick up.”

Lisa also highlights the unique strengths that women bring to farming. “Sometimes, a woman’s touch makes all the difference. Whether it’s the finer details in showing cattle or the empathy we bring to working with animals, these things matter. It’s not about being the strongest or the fastest—it’s about working smart and putting in the effort.”

She also emphasizes the importance of finding a supportive community. “Farming can be isolating, and not everyone will understand your lifestyle. That’s why young farmers’ groups are so important—they connect you with people who get it.”

Lisa’s journey—from a young girl showing ponies to a champion-winning farm manager—is proof that women have a strong and growing place in agriculture. “The industry is changing, and we’re part of that change. The more we step up, the more doors we open for the next generation.” This begins next week, as she leads an all-female student vet team through lambing season.

From Passion to Success: How Lucie Built Her Own Farming Niche

Lucie’s journey into farming began with summers spent in Suffolk at her grandparents’ smallholding. Her love of food and curiosity about where it comes from led her to pursue farming, starting with working on local farms. “I started working on friends’ farms, and then it just grew from there. My parents have a small holding, and I thought, why not put some animals on it?” she explains.

Today, Lucie manages a flock of around 30 sheep, with a focus on sustainability and grass-fed meat. She’s worked on large-scale farms as well, but prefers the hands-on approach of small-scale farming. “Farming continues to throw new challenges at us regularly,” she says. One of her key challenges at the moment is managing the spread of blue tongue disease, something she’s actively combating with vaccinations for her flock, despite the financial burden it imposes.

Lucie’s focus on grass-fed meat is not only a commitment to sustainability, but also a personal necessity. “One of the reasons why it’s grass-fed is that I’m actually wheat intolerant,” she explains. “I can’t eat meat that’s been fed wheat, because it plays havoc with my health. And knowing that meat that has been fed wheat or fillers can affect the quality of the meat is crazy. If you’re feeding rubbish to your animals, of course, your meat’s going to be rubbish. It’s all about going back to basics and knowing what you’re eating.”

Lucie’s business has seen significant growth, with her having to turn away customers due to high demand. “I’ve already got an order list started for our next pop-up shop, and quite often, I have to turn people away. I don’t have enough stock for the demand. People like that it’s a female doing it, and that it’s all grass-fed. It’s all as good for you as possible.” She believes that the value of knowing where your food comes from is critical for both health and sustainability

Lucie is passionate about the role women play in agriculture. She’s seen attitudes change over the years, with women taking on more leadership roles in farming and agribusiness. “I’ve met incredible women in agriculture doing amazing things, and it makes me proud to be part of this industry,” she shares. The change is inspiring, and Lucie believes that women’s impact on farming is growing stronger as they push boundaries and take on new responsibilities.

"I’ve met incredible women in agriculture doing amazing things, and it makes me proud to be part of this industry"

Lucie

She also sees technology as essential to making farming more accessible. “FlockFinder has been a game-changer. It’s made managing my flock and record-keeping much easier, giving me peace of mind in an industry that’s constantly changing.” Lucie’s message to young women entering agriculture? “Just do it. Find connections, ask questions, and don’t let anything hold you back.

Rosie: Cultivating Land and Flavours – A Young Woman’s Journey in Farming and Food

Rosie’s journey into farming was shaped by her upbringing, but her family initially rented out their land. “We weren’t ready to take it on at first, but eventually, we decided to make it our own.” They started small, raising pedigree Belted Galloways and Suffolk sheep. Through hard work and determination, the farm has grown significantly, showcasing the family’s commitment to building something sustainable and successful.

Her passion for farming deepened while studying at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. “It was an amazing organic farm where we learned everything from butchery to foraging. It taught me to respect food, animals, and the environment, which made me love farming even more.” This experience cemented her deep respect for the land and the interconnectedness of food production.

Rosie has seen positive changes for women in agriculture. “At the Highland Show last year, there were way more women in the ring showing cattle. It’s amazing to see attitudes shifting.” However, she emphasises that progress should go beyond gender alone. “It should be about passion and ability, not whether you’re male or female.” she says, highlighting the importance of merit over gender when it comes to success in farming.

She believes technology is making farming more accessible, particularly for women. “Lambing cameras are a game-changer, and social media has been huge. I follow loads of farmers and shepherdesses who share advice—things I wouldn’t have learned otherwise.” Rosie explains. The rise of online communities and social platforms has allowed her to connect with other like-minded women and learn from their experiences, creating a supportive network that strengthens her journey in farming.

Her message for young women in agriculture? “Be confident, get stuck in, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There will always be challenges, but you can push through them.” She encourages women to take ownership of their space in the agricultural world. “Men often dominate the space, but we know we’re just as capable—if not more.” Rosie believes that the key to overcoming barriers lies in confidence, perseverance, and a willingness to learn.

"Be confident, get stuck in, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. There will always be challenges, but you can push through them."

Rosie

Rosie is excited to head to Mull this summer to work a season as a chef in a farm shop restaurant, putting her passion for farm-to-table organic, seasonal, and sustainable cooking into practice.

Beyond the ‘Farmer’s Wife’ Label: Pip on Women Leading Agriculture

Pip’s connection to farming runs deep. Her grandfather bought a small fruit farm in the 1950s, and she grew up helping with picking and planting. With a father who worked as a farm mechanic, she was surrounded by agriculture from an early age, developing a love for animals and growing British produce. Farming has always been a part of her life, shaping her passion for the industry and her determination to see it evolve.

Over the years, she has seen attitudes toward women in farming improve, but she knows there is still work to be done. She firmly believes that behind every man is a strong woman—something that is especially true in agriculture. “Women are only just starting to be recognised for all they do in farming. There’s a shift happening with the next generation taking over, but women can still be overlooked. Even when they are the sole owner of a farm, it’s often assumed they’re not.” While progress is being made, she sees a long road ahead before women are fully acknowledged as equal leaders in the industry.

For young women starting out, Pip’s advice is simple: never let anyone tell you that you’re not strong enough. “Never be put down by ‘you aren’t strong enough to do that’—you 100% are! See those comments as a target to overcome. Join a local Young Farmers or countryside society and up-skill yourself.” She believes that more women will take ownership of their farms without being defined by the title of “farmer’s wife” or “farmer’s daughter.” Instead, they will stand on their own merits, empowering each other and proving their capability. “Women are so much better at accepting change and diversifying… and aren’t we living in an ever-changing world?”

The role of women in farming has also shifted over time. Traditionally, they were expected to manage the office work, but financial realities have made that division impractical. Today, farming is a team effort, with everyone actively involved across the farm. “Technology has made farming more efficient and has helped improve work-life balance. Instead of spending endless hours on paperwork, both men and women can now take time to reflect on what they’ve achieved and enjoy family time.” The ability to adapt and embrace new ways of working is making a real difference in how farms are run.

Despite these changes, there are still areas where women are underrepresented. Pip would love to see more women at livestock markets, ensuring they feel comfortable buying and selling without the sense of it being a “boys’ club.” She knows that breaking into these traditionally male-dominated spaces takes confidence, but she hopes that as more women step forward, they will pave the way for others to follow.

Her final message to women in farming is to embrace resilience and innovation. Agriculture is evolving, and staying adaptable, continuing to learn, and leading with new ideas is key. “Don’t be afraid to break down barriers. Your voice and perspective matter in shaping the future of farming.”

"Don’t be afraid to break down barriers. Your voice and perspective matter in shaping the future of farming."

Pip

As we reflect on the powerful stories shared by Lisa, Lucie, and Rosie, it’s clear that women in agriculture are transforming the industry, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations.

At FlockFinder, we know we’re bigger than just our product—our mission is to support and amplify the voices of those who are shaping the future of farming.

As Lisa says, “The more we step up, the more doors we open for the next generation.” We are proud to stand alongside these incredible women and shine a light on the essential work they do in farming every day.