Rural and Environment

Women in the Rural Economy: Part 8

March 7, 2019 by admin No Comments | Category Agriculture, EU, Farming, food and drink, Marine, Uncategorized

As we continue to celebrate women in the rural economy, Julie Hesketh-Laird, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation blogs about her experience and career to date.

As I approach my first anniversary in the salmon farming industry, I am struck by how different my initial expectations were compared to the reality of the exciting and diverse industry I now know.

I was asked many times ahead of joining, about my feelings on this very male dominated sector. Coming from the Scotch whisky industry, I felt prepared. But my own impressions of Salmon farming have put to rest any old stereotypes of salmon farmers.

The very first meeting I had was in Shetland with a young woman called Ashleigh Currie who moved to Shetland to pursue her career in fish health, working at that time for Scottish Sea Farms. I was immediately impressed with her can-do attitude to leadership and her focus on problem solving and driving her business forward. She was just the first of many women I have met since on farms, and beyond. Female vets, environmental managers, farmers and fish health specialists. This is an industry that is visibly open to all.

The sector’s investment in innovation and technology has removed many of the physical barriers of farm work that typecast these roles as for men. Moreover, there are many more roles available outwith farms which focus on science, fish health, environmental management, IT, engineering and quality management. Jobs open to everyone with the skills, qualifications and commitment. And they come with some of the most beautiful “office” space in the world!

I met Clara McGhee at our recent Parliament celebration of young people in Scottish Salmon farming. She left corporate life as a consultant to gain an MSc in sustainable aquaculture and now works as a farm technician for Mowi. As we spoke, she painted a picture of an enviable working life caring for her beautiful fish in the stunning backdrop of Muck, the smallest of Scotland’s Small Isles. I expect to see talent of that calibre in future at the very top of the diverse salmon farming industry and on the Board of the SSPO as women in the industry take on ever more senior roles.

As for me, hard work, personal sacrifice and a bit of luck have all played a part in my career though, visible role models were hugely important to me, too. A number of inspirational females in my life, from my hard-working mother who started her teaching career while sharing childcare for two small children to strong women bosses who busted stereotypes, have showed me, and others, that success can wear a dress – or possibly protective kit and wellies – as required on farms!

This sector wants to attract the top talent and continue to ensure that salmon farming is a driving force in the rural economy, but also a place where people can thrive through entrepreneurship, problem solving and good stewardship regardless of gender. One year in, I like what I see, a lot.

Tags: International Women's Day, rural economy, Scotland, SSPO, Women

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