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This International Women’s Day 2026, Buitelaar Agriculture is proud to support the global “Give To Gain” campaign. This theme is rooted in the power of reciprocity: the idea that when we give our time, mentorship, and advocacy to women and girls, we all gain a stronger, more resilient industry.
In agriculture, “giving” means more than just sharing knowledge – it means giving respect, equal opportunity, and a seat at the table.. At Buitelaar, we see every day how the contributions of women – from the farm office to the rearing sheds – strengthen our entire supply chain.
We asked our team for their “one piece of advice” for women entering the field. Their insights perfectly capture the spirit of Give To Gain:
In an industry traditionally seen as male-dominated, “giving” often starts with providing a fair and inclusive environment. Teleri Williams (Supply Chain Procurement & Planning) speaks candidly about the importance of a supportive workplace:
“Don’t listen to anyone who tells you you can’t do something; everyone starts somewhere. All you have to do is be willing to learn. In all honesty, the hardest thing for women in agriculture is dealing with people who think it’s a man’s job. That’s why I love working for Buitelaar.”
A common hurdle for women entering male-dominated spaces is the anticipation of prejudice. Rhiannon Evans (Ag UK Tech Team) emphasises that the exchange of information is a two-way street: “Don’t assume you’ll be met with prejudice; be confident in your knowledge and skillset. Give time to everyone you meet – there’s always something to be learnt!” By giving our time to listen, we gain new perspectives that drive innovation.
Katie Brown (Head of Farm Office) reminds us that as the industry evolves, the “gain” of female leadership is now a necessity: “Never underestimate what you can achieve and your skills in this industry… times have changed; this industry depends on women now!”
Agriculture is vast, and the opportunities are as varied as the landscape itself. Holly Andrews (Ag UK Tech Team) points out that our natural strengths are often our greatest assets: “There is endless space for women in a variety of roles. We have a multitude of tangible skills, some of which are specific to women – take our natural instinct to nurture, which sits so well with calf rearing.” In this role, giving care results in the gain of healthy, productive livestock and a sustainable business.
Mickie Blackett (Supply Chain Business Growth Manager) highlights that the more you “get properly involved,” the more you influence the landscape: “Agriculture gives you the chance to be part of something real and important, and as a woman in the industry, you’re not just filling a role, you’re bringing a different perspective, helping make decisions and actually helping shape the future of British farming.”
A key pillar of the “Give To Gain” movement is the power of community. Jade Toone (Key Account Manager) highlights that the relationships we build are our greatest assets: “Build your network early. Relationships with customers, suppliers, and other producers will open more doors than credentials alone.” By giving your time to foster these connections, you gain a support system that lasts a lifetime.
For those entering more traditional spaces, Ellie-Mae Parker (R&D Team) offers a reminder of self-worth: “I would say going into a male-dominated industry, stand your ground and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. You are just as good as they are!”
For those standing at the start of their journey, Ruby Mae O’Reilly (Calf Rearer) offers the ultimate encouragement to jump in: “Just go for it, this is one of the best jobs out there and you can achieve and learn so much.”
This year, we encourage everyone in the Buitelaar community to “Give To Gain” whether that’s through mentoring a colleague, challenging a bias, or simply celebrating the achievements of the women in our fields.
