Think of a farmer and the image that comes to mind is probably a man. But a competition run by NFU Cymru strives to change that by raising the profile of women in farming.
Rural women are being urged to enter the NFU Cymru / NatWest Wales Woman Farmer of the Year 2011/12 competition, which is now in its 15th year, and has helped to celebrate the contribution of women in what is still a very male-dominated industry.
Women are not only running farms, but also in today’s tough financial climate, often running a separate business or going out to work to bolster the family income, while juggling childcare and family life.
Previous winners have raised the profile of women in agriculture and used their success to reach out and encourage other women, says NFU Cymru’s Public Relations Officer, Sarah Jones.
“Women in farming are still very much the hidden heroines of the industry. Very few want to claim the limelight, preferring instead to contribute behind the scenes. Many children have been raised on farms sitting on pushchairs watching mum pull calves or milk cows or drive the tractor. This competition is for ordinary women, who perhaps don’t realise that what they are doing is extraordinary.”
The winner will receive £500 and the two runners up £100. The closing date is October 28.
Anyone interested in entering or nominating someone sarah.jones@nfu.org.uk.