Bovine TB expert and AHDB lead veterinary expert Sarah Tomlinson has been named Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2026, following a highly competitive field of entries for the prestigious award.
The award was presented at the Cream Awards 2026 on September 3 and marks the 10th year of the accolade, which celebrates women making a significant contribution to the dairy industry and helping shape its future.
Organised by Women in Dairy, an initiative of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), the award is sponsored by HSBC.
Tomlinson was recognised for her influential work on bovine TB, alongside the support and understanding she has provided to farming families dealing with the disease.
Claire Hodge, agriculture relationship manager at HSBC and a member of the judging panel, said Tomlinson's personal and professional story had made a particular impression on the judges.
“I was so struck by Sarah’s story and journey. All of the judges had a tear in their eye at one point as Sarah shared her personal and professional experiences – which went beyond her leading work on bovine TB and demonstrate a deep empathy and understanding of the human impact of the disease on farming families.
“Above all, Sarah inspired the judges with her sense of purpose, drive, impact and humility in the face of such achievement.”
Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, chief executive of RABDF and a judging panel member, said Tomlinson represented the values at the heart of Women in Dairy.
“Sarah embodies everything Women in Dairy is about. She shares her knowledge and views on a very political and emotive issue with care, passion and authority, but also manages to engage with people from every walk of industry with a sensitivity and authenticity that few others can.”
She added: “Through her influential work on bovine TB, Sarah has provided hope, support and kindness to thousands of farmers facing some of the most difficult times of their lives.”
The 2026 award attracted a particularly strong field, with four finalists ultimately selected by the judging panel.
Tomlinson was joined by Lorna Burdge of Waterhayne Farms, recognised for her work connecting agriculture with the wider community through Open Farm Sunday, educational visits and the farm's vending machine.
Leanne Bertram of Graham’s The Family Dairy was also shortlisted for her leadership and efforts to inspire the next generation of women working in agriculture.
The fourth finalist was Vicky Sloane-Masson of Ballacricket Farm, recognised for her determination, commitment to animal welfare, adoption of innovation and support for young people and women in agriculture.
The Dairy Industry Woman of the Year award forms part of the wider Women in Dairy initiative, which aims to connect women across the sector through discussion groups, networking and industry events.
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