Rural women return to the farm for flagship Autumn event

Inspiring stories about stepping into agriculture as a second career will be shared as rural women are brought together in celebration at the flagship Autumn Gathering of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Women In Farming Network.

The Women In Farming Autumn Gathering, kindly sponsored by Barclays and Savills, will be held on Tuesday 8th October 2024 at Hornington Manor, Bolton Percy, York.

The venue is set in the grounds of a working farm owned by Leeds-based bedmaker Harrison Spinks. Materials from the farm are used natural fillings in their mattresses.

Guests can choose to join a tour of the farm after the main event which will feature networking opportunities, lunch and the chance to hear from four women whose career journeys have brought them into agriculture.

Laurie Norris, chair of the Yorkshire Rural Support Network at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said: “Now in its eleventh year, the Women In Farming Autumn Gathering continues to be a golden opportunity for women across rural Yorkshire to get together and make connections with others who work in likeminded industries.

“The Autumn Gathering is a chance to step out of business and family commitments, and break out of often isolated geography, to network and take inspiration, from each other as well as from thought-provoking speakers. It’s a date not to be missed.”

Speaking at the event will be:

Clare Wise a mixed farmer from County Durham, farming sheep, cattle and arable. Following a career in the food chain, Clare returned home to run her fifth-generation family farm. Clare is a member of the National Farmers’ Union Livestock Board and is actively involved in educational initiatives, including the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Countryside Days.

Millie Witty is newly pursuing a career in agriculture. Having previously taught Spanish as a secondary school teacher in Manchester, she now works full-time on an organic beef and lamb farm near Masham. Millie is currently honing her skills as part of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Goodall Agri-Development Pathway which helps younger people working in the industry to develop professionally.

Razan Alsous founder of Yorkshire Dama Cheese, a celebrated cheese company based in Huddersfield. Born in Syria and a graduate of the medical institute in Damascus, Razan was studying pharmacology when the 2012 war compelled her family to seek refuge in Britain.

Facing the challenge of reconciling her unrecognized qualifications with the need to support her family, Razan took a bold step into entrepreneurship. In 2014, Razan launched Yorkshire Dama Cheese with the help of a start-up loan from the local enterprise agency and she has not looked back, winning a series of high-profile accolades for her cheeses and supplying major retailers such as Booths.

Lynsey Pack leads charitable initiatives at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society after a 15-year career in the medical device industry. After leaving school without A-Levels, Lynsey was determined to prove herself in the workforce and by the age of 25, she was managing a team of 45 people in the production of medical implants, a highly specialised and regulated field.

The Women In Farming Network brings together rural women from across the county in the spirit of personal and professional development and support. The Network was created in 2013 following requests from women living and working on farms and related industries.

The Network holds a rolling programme of events to bring the community together and hosts a private Yorkshire Women In Farming Facebook group of more than 700 members to keep conversations and support going all year round.

Places are priced £25, inclusive of a buffet lunch, networking opportunities and an optional farm tour. To book, visit yas.co.uk/womeninfarming