Alice Bathard (FCG WhiteAvon)

This month I had the pleasure of attending the first Wiltshire Women in Dairy meeting, and it was truly inspiring to see so many passionate women coming together to share knowledge and experiences within the dairy sector.

Meeting Focus

The focus of the meeting was on mastitis — a topic that affects every dairy farm.  During the session, we toured the host farm and took a close look at the parlour, cubicles, and dry cow area, discussing how each plays a role in mastitis prevention and overall herd health.  The discussion was both practical and engaging, offering valuable insights into day-to-day management and how small adjustments can make a big difference to herd performance and welfare.  A representative from HIPRA also gave a talk about vaccinating for mastitis, how it works, and the benefits for dairy farms struggling with mastitis.

The importance of Women in Dairy

It was fantastic to meet so many local women with farming and agricultural backgrounds, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences.  Groups like Women in Dairy play a valuable role in today’s agricultural community.  While many women are deeply involved in farming — whether managing herds, balancing the books, or leading family businesses — their experiences can often differ from those of men in the same industry. These networks provide a supportive space to share ideas, ask questions, and learn without judgement.

Contact Alice at alicebathard@fcgagric.com for more information on joining Women in Dairy.