The issues still facing women across the agriculture sector were discussed at the Women in Agriculture Taskforce presentation at the Royal Highland Show last week.

The main messages focused on how women can access more training within the sector as well as gaining more confidence within their positions.

Chairing the meeting was co-chair of the Taskforce, Joyce Campbell, and talks were given by Kate Rowell, a member of the QMS board, qualified vet and hill farmer, Minette Batters, NFU president Andrew McCornick and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity Fergus Ewing.

Announcing the Scottish Government’s fund of £250,000 for the taskforce and discussing what still needs to be done across the sector, Fergus Ewing said: “These are not standard government issues, they are much more subtle, profound and more important. I think it will take time.”

Mr Ewing added that it is more about changing mind-sets across the agriculture industry. Kate Rowell discussed the traditional attitudes that still prevail across the industry which may both inadvertently and intentionally dismiss women working in the sector – including the assumption that sons will take over the farm rather than daughters and that women are not as capable at handling the machinery and day to day to running of the farm as men.

Discussing her experience of working as a QMS monitor farmer, Kate Rowell said: “This experience made me realise I was a farmer and I needed to have the confidence to introduce myself as that.”

Kate also stressed her wish for events to celebrate “all people in agriculture” but she highlighted that more needs to be done to help address the issues women still face across the industry.

Adding to the discussion, Minette Batters said: “The success is when being a woman [in agriculture] isn’t newsworthy.”