The number of women pursuing careers in agriculture is rising, with figures such as Clarkson’s Farm star Harriet Cowan inspiring a new generation.
According to DEFRA, women made up 16% of principal farmers and holders in 2025, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the past five years.
However, Suffolk Rural College has no shortage of interest from female students. The college has consistently been trying to challenge DEFRA’s figures by supporting more and more females in their agricultural courses, as well as employing more female staff.
Back in 2004, Suffolk Rural College had just five farming students. By 2025/26, that number has grown to 115, with women making up just under 40% of all the students.
17-year-old Daisy Day from Eye in Suffolk said that more female role models are helping to open the industry up.
“I like Harriet of Clarkson’s Farm – and there are more people on Instagram and TikTok, and that is having an impact – if you can see it, you can be it, so they say.”
Daisy does not come from a farming background; however, since her family moved to the countryside, she has become involved in agriculture through friends.
She added: “I like the fact that there are so many different pathways – you can go into marketing, sales or general farm work. The industry seems more open to females working on farms than it used to be.
“My message to other young girls is that the farming industry needs more people. So – get involved.”
You are free to do what you want to do’
Another agriculture student, Ellie Davies, 17, from Hoxne, also noticed that farming seems to have risen in popularity.
“It’s more televised, and you have people on social media. It’s publicised more, and Clarkson’s Farm is entertaining and factual. I think more females are in farming as times have changed, and you are free to do what you want to do.”
17-year-old Molly-Mae Reed from Bedfield added: “My parents have always been interested in farming and have a smallholding, so I’ve grown up with it. My great-grandfather was also a farmer.
“I think there is less stigma for women today, and it seems more equal. “I’ve never experienced anything negative (in terms of being a female). My message to other young girls is I think they should go for it if they want to do it (farming).”
In 2022, the college embarked upon a programme where female farm students went to local schools to promote the industry to young girls.
The rise in female students has also been replicated in terms of female staff at the Suffolk Rural farm.
Three of the main key roles are overseen by females. Sophia Sparkes, agricultural technician, said: “My original plan was to go to university to become a genetics consultant at a hospital – but someone from the college came into my school and asked me if I ever thought about doing the same thing with animals.
“They advised me to get work experience on a farm – so I did, and I’ve never looked back.
“I love the outdoors – the animals and the whole farming industry are just such a community. My message to young girls is – if you love it and you have a passion for it – you should go for it – there will be nothing stopping you, and you should absolutely do it.”
