youngsRPS Women In Agriculture - Flipbook - Page 8
BECCA
WILSON
Yorkshire Farmer & Co-presenter of
Boots and Heels podcast
such as The Yorkshire Shepherdess, rugby referee Nigel
Owens, YouTuber Tom Pemberton and Emmerdale's
Kelvin Fletcher, we aim to showcase agriculture as both a
fantastic industry to be involved in as a career, but also as
a mainstay of high quality and high welfare food
production.
As a woman in agriculture, have you come across any
challenges or obstacles?
I am lucky in that the family farm has been passed down
through my mother's side. This means that although we
work as a family team, it has always been the norm to
have women involved in the business. As such, on the
whole, the challenges I face in agriculture centre more
around universal issues such as financial uncertainty,
weather pressures and loneliness and isolation which are
not unique to being a woman. However, you do get the
odd delivery driver who is surprised that I'll be unloading
the wagon or some shocked looks to see a female driving
down the road on a tractor and a big piece of kit.
What changes, if any, would you like to see within the
industry to ensure the success of women in agriculture?
Quite simply, everyone, whether we're talking about
gender, race, sexuality or any other factors, should be
valued for their ability to do their job. We're getting there,
and I definitely see changes, but there is still work to do.
Image credit: Olivia Brabbs
What is your current role within the agricultural
industry?
I currently work on the family farm in North Yorkshire
where I am the fifth generation along with my twin
sister. The farm is mixed arable and livestock, and we
have a real focus on utilising technology and a
progressive way of thinking to increase efficiency across
the board whilst also contributing to a sustainable way
of farming. For example, we are involved in crop trials
for varieties, nitrogen use efficiency and utilising
different farming and agronomic techniques to improve
soil health and carbon storage as part of the
Hutchinsons Helix concept. On the livestock side, we
use good breeding and an early lambing season to try
and maximise return at market. I have found that the
combination of livestock and arable has really worked,
especially when we are able to take advantage of a
clover ley in the rotation.
I am also co-presenter of the Boots and Heels podcast
turned YouTube series which is supported by Farmers
Weekly. With a host of recognisable guests
Knowing what you do now, and the experience you
have, what advice would you go back and give your
younger self before embarking on a career in
agriculture?
Enjoy and appreciate the time you spend away from the
farm, whether that's in education or in the workplace,
because some of the lessons you learn in the 'outside
world' are some of the most valuable that you can bring
back to the farming business.
What do you believe is the measure of a successful
woman in agriculture?
A successful woman in agriculture is one who can learn
from her mistakes and take advice from people who are
more experienced. Success is also happiness - the life that
comes with farming I believe is one of the most
rewarding, however it is also extremely challenging, lonely
and stressful and being able to balance the good with the
bad is important.
And finally, what is your favourite thing about working
within the agricultural industry?
I feel that it is a real privilege to be producing sustainable
food for the nation. The world finds itself in a very
turbulent time in many different ways and to know that I
am doing my small bit to keep people fed gives me real
job satisfaction.