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Highlighting the importance of Women in Agriculture

Although still a male dominated industry women are certainly now making their mark within agriculture in the UK. The nature in which the industry is changing means that new skills and talent is required to ensure sustainability. The Office for National Statistics reported that over the past 10 years the number of women working in the agricultural industry had risen by 7% resulting in a third of workers now being female, with more and more women taking on agricultural roles.

Following on from our collaboration with the CLA, and Rebecca and Lizzie from Boots and Heels, for their Women’s Network event at this years’ The Great Yorkshire Show, we have spoken to both clients, colleagues and friends who represent the diverse and vital nature of the role’s women play in agriculture today and in guaranteeing it’s future.

Joanne Metcalfe, Associate, Rural Surveyor with youngsRPS who fronted the project says: “From youngsRPS’ point of view it’s really exciting that we had the opportunity to be involved with the CLA Women’s Networking event alongside such trailblazers for women in agriculture and the agricultural industry as a whole as Becca & Lizzie from Boots and Heels and Victoria Vyvyan, Deputy President of the CLA.

I am really happy to work for a forward-thinking firm, who are so keen to understand the challenges affecting women in agriculture as this will, in turn, allow us to better understand our client base. There are a lot of uncertainties facing the agricultural industry at present and our role involves working alongside both men and women in the industry to help businesses to overcome challenges, and well as to identify opportunities where they are available. In the run up to the Great Yorkshire Show we have been working more closely with a few ladies working in the agricultural industry, gaining a better understanding of the challenges they have faced, and how the industry could evolve to be more open for new entrants from all genders and different backgrounds. The overarching feeling which we have gained from these women is how positive they all are for the future of the industry, and for their roles within the industry.”

The project includes 9 women from across the agricultural industry, including Joanne and of course both Becca Wilson and Lizzie McLaughlin, stars of the Boots and Heels blog. You can download your copy of the accompanying booklet and read all about their stories by clicking the below link.

*Pictured: Emma Skidmore, Flakebridge Farm

About Joanne Metcalfe

Joanne graduated from Reading University in 2012 and worked for a national firm of surveyors before moving to youngsRPS in 2014. Joanne helps clients with a wide range of property matters including valuations, negotiations for renewable energy projects, landlord and tenant matters, utilities compensation, wayleaves/easements, property sales and lettings and grants/subsidies. She is also an agent for the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (AMC) and an RICS registered valuer.

Joanne was born and brought up in the North East on her mother’s farm near Sedgefield. In her spare time, she enjoys running, skiing and spending time helping on the family farm.