Women in Farming to meet in person for the first time since 2019

The event, which is sponsored by Barclays and Savills, will be held at the Pavilions of Harrogate on Tuesday, October 12, between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Delegates will hear from Annabel Makin-Jones, a fifth generation environmentalist, philanthropist, entrepreneur and farmer based in Micklefield near Leeds who founded the highly successful Annabel’s Deliciously British strawberry farm, which is one of the best-selling brands in supermarkets Booths and a supplier to the Ocado online supermarket.

Transformational Business Coach and Mentor Andrea Morrison, of York, will inspire new thinking, freedom of mind and offer helpful life balance advice.

Topical and inspiring messages will also come from Sally Shortall, the Duke of Northumberland’s rural economics professor at the Center for Rural Economy at Newcastle University, and Alice Liddle and Sophie Jenkinson of the channel’s Farming team. Morrisons supermarket based in Bradford. A video message of support will also be shared by NFU President Minette Batters.

The rally will be held in person for the first time since 2019. Last year’s rally was broadcast live online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kate Dale, Coordinator of the Women in Farming Network, said: “It is with great pleasure that we look forward to bringing people together again as a network. The opportunity to connect with like-minded people who share similar challenges is invaluable and not to be missed! ”

At the Fall Gathering, All in one working day, the network’s photo exhibit, will be presented to delegates following its successful launch at the Great Yorkshire Show earlier this year.

This stunning collection of 27 atmospheric images is the work of Ampleforth-based documentary photographer Lucy Saggers. Capturing the diverse shine of local women farmers across generations – including speaker Annabel Makin-Jones – the exhibit is funded in part by The Prince’s Countryside Fund and NFU with support from YAS.

The Women in Farming Network was established in 2013 as a result of requests from women living and working on farms and related industries. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic last year, the network worked with a group of members to expand its community ethic of online support. A private Yorkshire Women in Farming Facebook group has been established and now has over 400 members.

John Pinches, Regional Agricultural Director for Yorkshire and North East England at Barclays UK, said: “Barclays Agriculture is delighted to support the Women in Farming Autumn Gathering. This will be our eighth year of support, having been involved since its inception.

“There will be a number of Barclays Agriculture & Rural Business Managers on site and Judith Wood, Barclays Agriculture Manager, will once again be chairing what promises to be a great event. “

Seats at the Women in Farming Network Fall Gathering cost £ 20 each and include a buffet lunch and networking opportunities. To register, see www.yas.co.uk/wif-autumn-gathering-2021