🌾Celebrating Women’s History Month with Agricultural Recruitment Specialists🌾
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions, resilience, and leadership of women across all industries. In agriculture, women have played a crucial role for centuries—from working the land to leading some of the most transformative changes in modern farming.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we know first-hand the impact of women in agriculture. As a female-led business, company Directors Rebekah Shields and Claire Morgan are proud to support women in farming, agribusiness, and agricultural technology. This month, we celebrate the women—past and present—who are shaping the future of agriculture.
A Legacy of Women in Farming
Historically, women have been the backbone of farming communities. Yet, their contributions were often undervalued, with formal land ownership and leadership in agriculture largely reserved for men. Despite these challenges, women have broken barriers, led pioneering movements, and driven innovation in the industry.
Pioneering Women in British Agriculture
🔹Lady Eve Balfour (1898–1990) – A true pioneer of organic farming, Lady Eve was one of the first women to study agriculture at university. She founded the Soil Association in 1946, promoting sustainable and chemical-free farming long before it became mainstream.
🔹WWII Land Girls– During World War II, thousands of women took on farming roles through the Women’s Land Army. These women worked the fields, milked cows, and kept the country fed while men were at war. Their contributions proved that women were just as capable as men in managing farms and livestock.
🔹Caroline Drummond (1960–2022) – A champion of sustainable agriculture, Caroline was the CEO of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) for over 30 years, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers while advocating for climate-friendly farming.
🔹Minette Batters – As the first female President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Minette has been a vocal advocate for British farmers, lobbying for fair trade deals, sustainability, and financial security for those in the industry.
The Role of Women in Modern Agriculture
While farming has historically been male-dominated, the landscape is rapidly changing. Today, women make up nearly one-third of UK farmers, with their presence growing in:
✅Agribusiness Leadership – Women are owning and managing farms, leading major agribusinesses, and driving industry change.
✅Agricultural Science & Technology – From precision farming to AI-driven solutions, women are at the forefront of agri-tech innovations.
✅Sustainability & Climate Action – Female leaders are pushing for regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and climate-smart farming techniques.
✅Recruitment & Industry Growth – Women are playing a key role in hiring, mentoring, and shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Breaking Barriers: The Female Leaders at Agricultural Recruitment Specialists
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we are proud to be a female-led company in an industry where women’s leadership is more important than ever. Rebekah Shields and Claire Morgan have built the company with a passion for connecting talented professionals with the right opportunities in agriculture.
💬Rebekah Shields, Managing Director:
"The agricultural industry is evolving, and women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles. We are proud to be part of this movement—helping women find rewarding careers in farming, agribusiness, and agri-tech."
💬Claire Morgan, Co-Director:
"Recruiting in agriculture has given us the opportunity to see first-hand how much talent, innovation, and resilience women bring to this sector. The future of farming is diverse, and women are a crucial part of that future."
Through their leadership, Agricultural Recruitment Specialists has become a trusted partner for agribusinesses, helping diverse candidates find opportunities across farming, engineering, agri-tech, and more.
Supporting Women in Agriculture: What’s Next?
The future of agriculture is bright for women, but challenges remain. Female farmers still face barriers in accessing land, financing, and leadership roles. However, organizations like Ladies in Agriculture UK, Women in Dairy, and the NFU’s Women in Farming network are working to create more opportunities and support networks.
💡How Can We Support Women in Agriculture?
🔹 Encourage more young women to explore careers in farming and agri-tech.
🔹 Promote equal opportunities and leadership roles in agricultural businesses.
🔹 Celebrate the achievements of women in the industry.
🔹 Provide mentorship and networking opportunities for female professionals.
Join the Conversation!
This Women’s History Month, we want to hear from you! Do you know an inspiring woman in agriculture? Whether it’s a farmer, business leader, scientist, or engineer, tag them in the comments and share their story.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we are committed to supporting diverse talent in agriculture. Whether you're looking for your next career move or hiring for a role, we’re here to help!
