Beef farmer uses Miss Manchester title to promote industry

A young beef farmer has spoken of her determination to use her Miss Manchester title to promote British farming and challenge outdated stereotypes about women in agriculture.

Clare Hopwood, 25, from Greater Manchester, will represent the city at the 81st Miss Great Britain National final in October after winning the regional title earlier this month.

Although she now works in accountancy, Clare grew up on her family’s small beef farm and remains closely connected to the industry with the family keeping 10 cattle.

See also: Winners announced at National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026

Rather than seeing pageantry and farming as unlikely partners, Clare believes the competition gives her an opportunity to showcase the industry.

“We have a voice, and we’re going to make a change because farmers are being targeted for the wrong reasons,” she said.

She added that threats such as inheritance tax continue to play heavily on farmers’ minds.

Clare first entered a pageant 12 months ago after struggling with her confidence.

Finishing fifth in her first competition, followed by second place in Miss Cheshire, gave her the confidence to return and win the Miss Manchester crown this year.

“I wanted, as someone from a farming background, to show that anyone can do it.”

She said one of the biggest surprises had been the friendships she had formed.

“You meet other girls who are in your position. It’s like a little community where you hold each other’s hands and encourage each other. It’s such a beautiful thing to be part of.”

Clare will compete in the Miss Great Britain final in October © Brian Hayes Photography

Raising awareness

Now preparing for the Miss Great Britain final in Leicester at the Athena Arena on 16 October, Clare hopes to use the platform to raise awareness of farming, encourage young people to consider agricultural careers and apprenticeships, and shine a light on mental health in rural communities.

“If I win, I don’t want to sit there and just wear the crown,” she said. “I want to get people more enlightened about farming and what it entails.

“If I can help one person choose an apprenticeship, learn about farming or feel able to reach out and talk about mental health, then the crown would have been worth it.”