Lincolnshire’s Women in Agriculture event returns with strong turnout

The WIA was set up in 2019 with a hugely successful launch event. The annual event continues to go from strength to strength, once again bringing together women from across the sector for a day of insight, shared experiences and inspiration, complemented by Doddington Hall’s renowned afternoon tea.

Nicola Massey, Agriculture Partner at Forrester Boyd said, “It was fantastic to see so many women from across the agricultural sector come together at Doddington Hall. Events like Women in Agriculture play an important role in creating a supportive network, encouraging collaboration and giving a platform to share experiences and ideas. The strength and diversity of talent within the sector was clear to see throughout the day.”

The event was expertly compered by Kelly Hewsen-Fisher, Director and Head of Rural Research at Savills, who leads a team delivering insight and thought leadership across the UK’s rural sector and brings over 20 years’ experience across the environment, food and water industries.

This year’s speakers covered a wide range of topical issues affecting the rural sector. Bee Barton-Broomhead, East Regional Advisor at the CLA, spoke about her role in representing farmers’ interests with government, including discussion around the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and the vital relationship between water and agriculture.

Lynette Swinbourne, Planner at Savills, provided an overview of National Planning Permission and what it may mean for rural areas, alongside insights into the P & I Bill and emerging trends in diversification.

Bailey Elliott, Farm Manager at A E Lenton’s in Friskney, delivered an inspirational account of her journey into farming, sharing how determination and passion enabled her to build a successful career in the sector despite having no farming background.

Jessica Spencer Cooper, Sales & Marketing Manager at Spring Lane Farm Shop, spoke about her family’s farming journey across generations and the development of a successful diversified business. Her key message focused on the importance of supporting local enterprises.

Jane Lane, rural business owner and farmer, shared her experience of building a diversified rural business, alongside her work promoting collaborative and environmentally focused land management. As part of the Westmorland Family business, which grew from a Cumbrian farm into a nationally recognised group behind Tebay, Gloucester and Cairn Lodge Services, Jane offered valuable insight into how farming roots can successfully evolve into a thriving, community-focused enterprise.

Attendees also heard from Meryl Ward, who spoke about The Lincolnshire Rural & Agricultural Chaplaincy and the work of Reverend Canon Alan Robson over the past 25 years. All funds raised from the event were donated to this charity in support of its continued work within the rural community.

The event is made possible through the continued support and collaboration of its sponsors and organisers, and special thanks go to Nicola Massey of Forrester Boyd, Sarah Duxbury of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, Romina Llorente and Lucie Muddiman of Savills, Amy Cowdell of Shakespeare Martineau and Cath Crowther of the CLA.

Forrester Boyd has been supporting and providing specialist accountancy services to the agriculture sector for over 90 years. With offices throughout Lincolnshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire, the firm has a team of advisers who not only specialise in serving the agriculture sector, but many also have close personal connections within it.

Nicola added, “Events such as Women in Agriculture are more important than ever, providing a platform for collaboration, support and shared learning across the sector. We are proud to continue supporting this initiative and the wider agricultural community.”