Farming women in their own words: Sarah Simpson
After spending the past 12 years office-bound, working for organisations such as Ofsted and the NHS as well as a firm of Derby accountants, Sarah has returned to her roots to take over the family arable and livestock farm near Northallerton, North Yorkshire. When growing up she always enjoyed the freedom of the outdoors and working with animals. On leaving school she was lured by the bright lights of the city, but life in the countryside won out in the end.
Describe a typical day
Gone are the days of arriving at the office at 8.30am. Now I’m outside well before that, feeding my calves that I hope will rejuvenate my suckler herd. Cutting grass, silaging and spreading fertiliser is a far cry from submitting tax returns and chasing accounts. I’m on the biggest learning curve of my life, but I’m fortunate to have my stepdad to advise me.
What is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement might sound ridiculously simple, but this year I managed to reverse a trailer. I’ve struggled ever since jack-knifing one as a teenager. Now I can reverse it anywhere.
If you had one piece of advice for a rural woman, what would it be?
It’s possible to feel very isolated and lonely on a farm. Always remember you’re not alone – keep in touch with friends and make the effort to go out, just to keep sane.
If you could change one thing to make life better for rural families, what would it be?
High-speed broadband. The internet is becoming increasingly vital, not just as a business tool and for seeking advice, but for social networking too.
How do you think the life of a young woman on a farm has changed compared with 50 years ago?
Advances in agricultural technology have made it easier for women to farm. There is less emphasis on physical strength that would probably have ruled out many women – including me.
My gran kept the farm going by keeping the men fed and the fires lit. She never had a holiday – I don’t know where her energy came from.
What are your hopes for the future?
I want to continue to breed good beef calves with a high standard of welfare. Money in the bank is nothing compared to seeing a field full of healthy cows and calves and thinking “I did that”.
Is the countryside a sexist place?
No more so than anywhere else. The public perception of a farmer doesn’t generally include women, but I’ve not experienced any prejudice. If someone thinks you can’t do something because you’re female, prove them wrong.
Who do you most admire/who is your role model?
Without question my mother. There is no one who is more focused, driven and determined.
Some of my earliest memories are of being wrapped in a duvet at 4am to load pigs. If I can be even half the farmer she was, I’ll have done a job to be proud of.