The Yorkshire Rural Support Network, supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society welcomed over 130 delegates to their Annual Conference at Pavilions of Harrogate, Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday 15th October 2019. An exciting day of information, challenge and celebration was promised and speakers including Sophie Throup, Head of Senior Corporate Affairs (Agriculture) at Morrisons; Becky Waring, owner of Cherry View Milk at Cherry Burton near Beverley; Emma Mosey, Co-owner of Minskip Farm Shop near Boroughbridge and Faith Douglas, part-time Curator at Thorp Perrow Arboretum and owner of Forest Bathing UK did not disappoint. John Pinches, Barclays Regional Agricultural Director for North East, Yorkshire and Scottish Borders introduced the event, with a comprehensive update of their activities and commitment to UK Agriculture. Recognising and acknowledging that women can and do play a vital role in family farming businesses.
During a prolonged period of uncertainty for both individuals and businesses, the day offered a welcome diversion from politics to hear from women who are ‘keeping calm and carrying on’ in true Yorkshire style. The day was designed to give support and focus on how we might all respond to the challenges ahead in a really practical way. Women can often be the motivators for change and can play a pivotal role in contributing an alternative dimension.
With thanks to our sponsors Barclays, Savills UK and Morrisons for their continued support for the achievements of women working across the farming industry.
Some quotes from the day:
‘Thank you so much for yet another excellent Women In Farming Conference today. It was a fantastic mix of speakers, all very thought provoking and inspiring. Well done, I can’t wait for the next one.’
‘An excellent conference again – so nice to see so many young women there and greater numbers attending – some very interesting, uplifting and inspiring stories.’
‘Just to say how much I enjoyed the conference yesterday; the speakers were inspirational and I made a lot of new contacts.’
‘The speakers were brilliant! They were all so enthusiastic about what they do. I particularly enjoyed listening to Becky and Emma’s journey’s, they were truly inspiring! ‘
Presentations from the day are available to download here:
Cherry View Farm
Forest Bathing UK
Minskip Farm Shop
Wm Morrisons
Written by Kate Dale
