MORE THAN 120 delegates gathered last week (September 17) for the annual Women in Dairy Conference, organised by the RABDF, in what is being described as one of the most inspiring to date, with a packed line-up of thought-provoking talks, networking and shared learning.
Among the speakers was television commentator and equestrian figure Alice Plunkett, who delivered a powerful message about the importance of protecting dairy farming’s public image in an era of intense scrutiny.
Alice, who has long championed the equestrian sector, drew striking parallels between the challenges faced by horse sports and those now confronting farming.
She said: “All of us are depressed and miserable at the vegan-led social media that seems to be misleading the conversation in this country. We have a voice—and that voice needs to be heard. You are, every single one of you, the face of British farming.”
She urged delegates to recognise that how they present themselves—on social media, at local shows or simply welcoming visitors to their farms—matters deeply. “Our industry shapes how the country looks, how it’s fed, how people are employed, how communities are formed. And each of you carries the responsibility to show that proudly.”
RABDF Chief Executive, and chair of this year’s conference, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, said: “As a charity dedicated to dairy farming, we’re excited about our plans to become a much stronger ambassador and advocate for the industry.
“Alice has hit on an issue that the whole dairy sector can relate to. Farmers can expect a lot more from RABDF in this area, as we gear ourselves up to be an organisation at the forefront of promoting the huge positives and great story dairy farming has to tell.“
Alice and her husband William Fox-Pitt are due to take on the presidency of the Royal Bath & West Show next year, which she described as responsibility to champion British agriculture.
She concluded: “Let’s make sure that people see the pride, care and community at the heart of our industry.“
For more information and to find your local group, visit the Women in Dairy website.
