Finalists announced for RABDF's Women in Dairy award

The award, sponsored by HSBC, will be presented at the Women in Dairy Conference on September 19. 

Lorna Burdge, a first-generation farmer from Devon, is one of the finalists. She has a passion for educating people about where their food comes from, and showcasing the work that goes into food production.

Lorna wanted to show how it was possible to run a successful business but still have time for her family – by running an efficient, low-input, block caving unit they are able to do this. As part of her pledge to educate others Lorna is involved in the NFU Schools Programme and Farmertime which sees her holding farm visits and calls with children.

Lorna's aim is to champion the fact that everyone has something to give, and help others recognise this through the many things she does.

Other finalists in the RABDF award are Jenny Lee from Cumbria and Anna Bowen from West Wales. 

Jenny Lee. (Image: RABDF)

Jenny and her husband Mark are focusing on regenerative practices, showing how an agro-ecological farm is good for the land, wildlife, cows and its people.

Anna Bowen. (Image: RABDF)

Anna is a new entrant and a Nuffield Scholar. She works as a consultant at The Andersons Centre, specialising in dairy and nutrient management planning. She is part of NFU Farmers for Schools and Farmertime, taking a live lesson for 20,000 primary school children as part of this work.

The judging panel included national sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim’s Becca Cavill, conference sponsor HSBC’s Grace O’Dwyer and RABDF Trustee and Patron of Women in Dairy, Di Wastenage.

“I was delighted to judge this year’s competition especially with it being the 10th anniversary of celebrating Women in Dairy,” said Mrs Wastenage.

“The calibre of the finalists was impressive and judging provides a genuine opportunity to hear how the industry has changed over the last decade, reinforcing the important role women have in the future of our dairy industry.”