I recently had the honour of speaking at the Women in Agriculture Scottish Conference held at Murrayfield, Edinburgh. It was an incredible opportunity to share the story of Byres Farm and our journey into diversification with a diverse audience of around 200 attendees, primarily comprising women but with a few men in attendance as well.
My presentation focused on the challenges and triumphs we experienced in transforming Byres Farm through diversification efforts. It was truly heartening to see the enthusiasm and engagement of the audience as I shared our experiences and lessons learned along the way.
The conference featured a lineup of esteemed speakers, including the recently appointed Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Jim Fairlie. Additionally, Nikki Yoxall, head of research at Pasture for Life, offered valuable insights, along with representatives from Farmstrong Scotland, SRUC’s Professor Steven Thomson specializing in agricultural economics and policy, and Jen Stewart from Johnson Carmichael. Sarah Miller, the Chief Executive of QMS, also delivered valuable contributions to the discussions.
The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and networking within the agricultural sector, emphasizing the crucial role of women in shaping the industry’s future. My presentation, alongside the insights shared by fellow speakers, highlighted the significance of innovation and diversification in modern farming practices. It was truly a privilege to be part of such an enriching and inspiring event.
