After receiving the most entries in the history of the award, this year’s Women in Dairy judging panel had their work cut out selecting a shortlist of finalists for the 2024 Dairy Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by HSBC.

Presented each year, at the Women in Dairy Conference, to an individual who goes above and beyond when it comes to demonstrating the connect, share and inspire values the initiative represents, the award celebrates the achievements of women in the dairy industry.

This year’s judging panel comprised of National Sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim’s Becca Cavill, Conference sponsor HSBC’s Grace O’Dwyer and RABDF Trustee and Patron of Women in Dairy, Di Wastenage.

“I was delighted to judge this year’s competition especially with it being the 10th anniversary of celebrating Women in Dairy”, said Mrs Wastenage.

“The calibre of the finalists was impressive and judging provides a genuine opportunity to hear how the industry has changed over the last decade, reinforcing the important role women have in the future of our dairy industry.”

The eventual shortlist comprised of Cumbrian farmer and regenerative trailblazer Jenny Lee, first generation farmer Lorna Burdge and new entrant and farm business consultant Anna Bowen.

Whilst all three women are without doubt an inspiration to the industry and their peers, they have three very different stories on how they embarked on their journeys, and ultimately got to where they are today.

Whilst Jenny Lee grew up on her family’s dairy farm she went on to pursue a career in teaching and it was not until her parents stepped back that she felt the pull to return. Whilst she and her husband Mark tried the original intensive system run by her parents, they soon realised that it wasn’t for them and began the journey to become a successful pasture-based organic operation. They are now leading the way when it comes to regenerative practices and are focused on showing how an agro-ecological farm is good for the land, wildlife, cows and its people. Jenny has also worked with RASE, land agents, local politicians and DEFRA employees to create 100 acres of wooded pasture on the farm. She regularly invites apprentices, groups and school children to the farm, plays host to large-scale events and has two active social media accounts for the farm’s cheese and gelato businesses.

As a first-generation farmer, Lorna Burdge has a passion to educate people on where their food comes from whilst showcasing the work that goes into food production. When she set out on her dairy farming career Lorna wanted to show how it was possible to run a successful business but still have time for her family – by running an efficient, low-input, block caving unit they are able to do this. As part of her pledge to educate others Lorna is involved in the NFU Schools Programme and Farmertime which sees her holding farm visits and calls with children. With the view that women in particular undervalue themselves, Lorna wants to champion the fact that everyone has something to give, and help others recognise this through the many things she does.

Anna Bowen, a new entrant and Nuffield Scholar, completes the line up of finalists. Anna grew up on a dairy farm, but with her brother in partnership with her father, it was never a career option. After meeting her now husband, who was in a CFA, she started to work on the farm, in time she was able to save enough money to invest in his business of which she now owns a third. As well as delivering on the CFA Anna works as a consultant at The Andersons Centre, specialising in dairy and nutrient management planning. She is part of NFU Farmers for Schools and Farmertime, taking a live lesson for 20,000 primary school children as part of this work. She also became a Nuffiled Scolar in 2020 and is now involved as a Trustee and as part of the Nuffield Cymru committee. Her small but engaged social media following allows her to share a more candid behind the scenes look into dairy farming and an insight into her consultancy work. Using her past and current experiences Anna aims to help other women, despite the obstacles they may face, carve their way into the industry, by being visible in situations that often women aren’t.

“It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm from all the finalists to support others entering the sector.  They all highlighted the huge range of skills new entrants can bring and opportunities available and emphasised how growing in confidence and self-belief has been part of their own journey to success”, said Grace O’Dwyer, Deputy Head of Agricultural Banking, HSBC.

This year’s winner will be announced at the Women in Dairy Conference on Thursday 19 September. Details on this year’s tenth anniversary conference and celebrations will be released over the coming weeks. For further information please call 02476 639317 or visit www.womenindairy.co.uk