2026 Shortlist

The finalists for the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026 have been revealed, celebrating the outstanding women making a difference across the UK food and farming industry.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees!

5
Agricultural Adviser of the Year

Open to agronomists, vets, SQPs and other advisors to farm businesses, the winner of this award will have made a big difference to the people and farms she works with.

Previous Winner: Winner: Mary-Jane Lawrie

Avril Ritchie

Dawn Bowness

Heather Elven

Heather Wildman

Letty Glaister

5
Agricultural Ambassador of the Year

Never afraid to speak up for the industry, the winner of this award will be a real advocate for food and farming. She will be a campaigner on behalf of her business and the wider industry, with a proven track record of gaining publicity for her causes and making change as a result.

Previous Winner: Milly Fyfe


Sponsored by: Noble Foods 

Cat McLaughlin

Jenna Ross

Kate Rowell

Sarah Baker

Sarah Juggins

5
Agricultural Influencer of the Year

Social media is increasingly vital for communicating the positive contributions of agriculture and addressing the challenges within the sector. The agricultural influencer effectively utilises social media to engage new audiences, shape opinions, and foster discussions.

Previous Winner: Rebecca Wilson

Amber Jeans

Anna Varnish

Hannah Jackson

Nicola Gardner

Tracy Wathen-Jones

2
Agricultural Machinery Engineer of the Year

This award recognises agricultural engineers specialising in farm machinery who perform technical and maintenance roles on farms and on behalf of machinery manufacturers. The winner will have a proven history of delivering exceptional service to clients, a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies, and a genuine passion for the agricultural sector.

Previous Winner: Poppy Burrough

Emily Lloyd

Shannon Howe

5
Business of the Year

A female led agricultural business will be named Business of the Year. It must demonstrate year on year growth, high efficiency, financial soundness, and be at the forefront of technological developments and innovation. The business will have strong and passionate woman-majority leadership team, that values their workforce, and a marketing plan that will ensure the continued and further growth of the business.

Previous Winner: EnviroSystems UK

CXCS Group Ltd

FA Bio

Farmdrive

Jane Craigie Marketing

Popell Barns Mobile Farm - Holly Brooks

5
Farming Woman of the Year

The woman who wins this award will have made a real impact on farming over the past year. She will have made an outstanding contribution to her farm and have drawn attention to farming issues more widely in order to benefit the whole sector.

Previous Winner: Katie Davies


Sponsored by: Nestle


Helen Rogers

Helen Stanier

Holly Atkinson

Kate Rowell

Milly Fyfe

5
Innovator of the Year

This award will be given to a woman who has been behind an initiative, idea or business development concept that has come to fruition in the last 12 months, and that is demonstrably new in her business or sector.

Previous Winner: Jilly Duncan Grant, Herd Advance

Amy Thomas

Caroline Wellon

Sandra Murphy

Sara Jones

Shabawn Farrall

5
Rising Star of the Year

Nominations for this category can be submitted by either the employer or the individual herself. The winner of the Rising Star Award will be an individual aged 30 or under who has successfully introduced innovative initiatives, demonstrated a strong commitment to the industry, and showcased excellence across various areas.

Previous Winner: Emily Mee

Beth MacKinnon

Chloe Gimson

Emma Chapelhow

Isla Soutter

Molly Vasanthakumar

5
Supply Chain Woman of the Year

Open to women working within the agricultural supply chain, including suppliers of inputs, logistics, or food processing, the winner of this award will have made a significant contribution to her business or the agricultural sector more widely.

Previous Winner: Jodie Bolland

Beckii Gibbs

Laura Pickup

Lauren Hladum

Melissa Young

Rachael Harris

5
Sustainability Champion of the Year

The winner of this award will be a woman who has demonstrated a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of her business, or within the sector to improve sustainability. The winner will leading the way to net zero by be dedicated to implementing practices and innovations that support environmental protection and business viability.

Previous Winner: Megan Hudson


Sponsored By: HSBC


Cora Cooper

Emily Marshal

Jenna Ross

Katie Thorley

Nikki Yoxall

5
Trade Organisation Woman of the Year

This award celebrates a woman whose exemplary work within a trade organisation has significantly benefited the agricultural sector. The winner will have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership on behalf of the organisation.

Previous Winner: Sarah Millar, Quality Meat Scotland

Caroline Millar

Jill Hewitt

Judicaelle Hammond

Ruth Bailey

Sarah Millar

5
Training and Education Woman of the Year

Open to women working in external training & education providers serving agricultural businesses, or employees within businesses who provide training and education, the woman who wins this business will have made a big impact by introducing new schemes or initiatives with good outcomes for employees.

Previous Winner: Anna Jones, Just Farmers

Cara Cameron

Jennie Devine

Kate Mason

Louisa Dines

Victoria Beckwith