youngsRPS Women In Agriculture - Flipbook - Page 3
JUDITH
ARTHUR
Brunton Mill Farm, Tyne & Wear
When I married in 1969, it was expected that I gave up
my career (as a physio) to support my husband Peter.
It was before mobile phones and farming on 4 different
sites it was one of my tasks to physically get in a
vehicle and locate Peter to relay phone messages re:
imminent deliveries etc etc.
I did not come from a farming background or indeed
Young Farmers...the majority of farmers wives were
from a farming background and I was on a steep
learning curve!
Even though the request for lunch might be 1.00 pm, I
had to be prepared to dish it up at 12.00, or any time
….up to tea time ………so flexibility had to be one of my
fortes!
An ability to be an emergency tractor driver and “Jill of
all trades” helped! Because of the very seasonal nature
of his job, Peter couldn’t be counted on in the “child
care/ management job“ which I ( happily ) undertook.
Today , thanks to modern technologies, my daughter in
law is able to have a high power career (in teaching…
which at least has school holidays) whilst my son can
continue his work, as an arable/beef farmer, and have a
very much hands on relationship with his young family.
I must add that our married daughter is a practicing
vet! Back “in the day“, female vets were very few on
the ground; today most of our practice is comprised of
females!
The times have certainly changed!"