A LIVELY 'Women in Agriculture' conference took place in Lochgilphead this week, where a strong turnout of farming enthusiasts from across Scotland came together to take part in workshops and to hear from guest speaker, Sutherland sheep farmer Joyce Campbell.

In an inspiring talk Joyce, of Armadale farm, recounted her personal journey in farming as a woman and how she continues to receive scepticism, even from her fellow North Country Cheviot breed society members, purely based on the fact that she is a woman.

Mrs Campbell, who now co-chairs the recently created Women in Agriculture Task Force group, said that she believed it was important to get more women involved on a decision-making level in agriculture during such a dire time for the industry.

“There are ladies with a lot of talent that we are not utilising and without engagement from both men and women we aren’t going to get anywhere. There is no need for a stand-off – however, we need to stop dancing around issues and speak to people."

Mrs Campbell gave multiple examples of young men and women she has worked with in the sheep industry, where currently there is a worrying lack of shepherds, and said that encouraging interest from youngsters, females and males alike, was important to protect the future of the industry.

“Rural skills are a good way to get people engaged and communication is key to moving forward in the industry and for breaking down barriers,” she said.

During a workshop on rural leadership there was a resounding feeling by the group that women want to be involved in decision making on their own merit, and that 'positive discrimination' isn’t a good way to make progress.

NFU Scotland, which hosted the event, was very keen to encourage greater diversity in their regional meetings and aware that currently a lot of women despite attending social meetings are avoiding getting involved in decision making roles.

Representing the Ayrshire NFUS, Caroline Montgomery from Lessnessock Farm encouraged the group to get more involved in their regional meetings and stressed how important a role the union played in shaping political decisions in parliament and how vital it was that women came forward to have an influence in shaping agricultural policy.

“Out of all lobby groups, NFUS is the strongest in influencing agricultural policies and it is so important we encourage more women to join the boards to add their experience and expertise.”