Women In Wellies Podcast

Episode 68: Amelia Lawrence - Dreams to DairyAmelia Lawrence is a mum, a vet and a first generation dairy farmer, and this conversation gives us a fascinating insight into what it really takes to build a farming business from the ground up.Growing up in Ayr with no farming background, Amelia first found agriculture through gaining experience on a family farm while pursuing her ambition to become a vet. That experience sparked a love for farming which stayed with her throughout university and her veterinary career. Fast forward several years and a slightly flippant conversation with her husband Merlin about a farm coming up for rent turned into years of planning, saving, business plans and hard work to make their dream of becoming dairy farmers a reality.We hear about the support that helped Amelia and Merlin get started, from the Let's Farm Foundation and Oxbury Bank to their mentor Sophie Gregory and the wider network of people who have supported them along the way. Amelia shares honestly what those first 18 months have looked like, from taking on the tenancy and preparing for the arrival of their herd from Ireland to dealing with TB testing, cattle health challenges and a hugely difficult milk market. It is a story of resilience, learning as you go and trying to stay positive when the reality is tougher than you could have imagined.There is also plenty of insight into the practical side of building an efficient dairy business, including changes to the parlour which have saved around three hours a day. Amelia talks about the different perspectives she brings as both a vet and a farmer, the importance of soil health, breeding for strong and resilient cows and her hopes for the future of the herd.Alongside the farming story, we talk about motherhood, balancing life as a vet with running a young dairy business and the importance of having the right people around you. Amelia also shares her desire to open the farm up to more people, helping communities understand where their food comes from and creating opportunities for people who might never otherwise see a pathway into agriculture.For anyone considering becoming a new entrant, Amelia's advice is simple but powerful: get involved, know your figures, build relationships, ask questions and don't necessarily wait until you feel completely ready. Sometimes you just have to go for it, learn along the way and get yourself out there.This is a really honest conversation about ambition, opportunity, resilience and what it means to build something of your own. We are looking forward to following Amelia and Merlin's farming journey as their herd, family and business continue to grow.The Award Winning Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.Connect with Amelia on social media : Instagram - @makingamooofit \\ TikTok: @makingamooofitEpisode Recorded on 18th September 2026.All views expressed are our own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 67 : Jillian Kennedy - Farming, Forestry and SAYFCJillian Kennedy is a forest manager from a hill beef and sheep farm in Perthshire and, having recently stood down as National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, this conversation is full of forestry, farming, leadership and plenty of stories from an incredible year.Growing up on her family farm just outside Aberfeldy, Jillian shares how she initially headed off to university to study primary education before discovering environmental geography and, through a chance conversation with a friend, finding her way into forestry. Eight years on, she is now a forest manager working across Highland Perthshire, the Angus Glens and beyond.We dive into what forestry actually involves, from long term forest planning and woodland creation to harvesting, timber marketing and working alongside farmers, gamekeepers and landowners. Jillian talks about the responsibility that comes with making decisions that can shape a landscape for decades and the importance of considering the people and land uses around every forest.Young Farmers is a huge part of Jillian's story and we hear about her journey from growing up around the Aberfeldy and District Club to becoming East Regional Chair and ultimately National Chair. From stock judging and produce shows to speech making and international travel, Jillian shares how the organisation has helped build her confidence, resilience and leadership skills.We also hear about the incredible year she has had as National Chair, including travelling across Scotland to meet members, representing SAYFC internationally and helping to drive forward the Big Build. With the old Young Farmers Centre at Ingliston demolished and more than £1 million raised towards a new building, there is plenty to celebrate, although Jillian admits there is still plenty more to do.As she reflects on a whirlwind year, Jillian talks openly about confidence, saying yes to opportunities, the support of the people around her and learning to recognise what she has achieved. With plans to explore agritourism at home on the family farm, there is already plenty to look forward to in what comes next.This is a conversation about finding your path, taking opportunities when they appear and the power of rural communities. Jillian's advice to the next generation of women in rural Scotland is simple: do not be afraid to say yes, pick up the phone and ask for help, because there is a huge support network behind you.The Award Winning Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.Connect with Jillian on social media : LinkedIn - Jillian Kennedy \\ Instagram - @jilliankennedy95 Episode Recorded on 17th August 2026.All views expressed are our own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 66 : Linzi Seivwright - Stalking to ScienceLinzi Seivwright is a familiar face to many in the world of deer in Scotland and this conversation gives us the opportunity to hear the stories, experiences and people that have shaped her fascinating career.Growing up in the Angus Glens with a stalker for a dad and surrounded by deer, wildlife and a close rural community, Linzi shares how those early experiences sparked her curiosity about the natural world and ultimately led her into a career in ecology and deer management.From initially studying economics at St Andrews to discovering a prospectus for an MSc in Ecology almost by chance, Linzi reflects on the twists and turns that have shaped her career. We hear about her time working with the Deer Commission, developing the Wild Deer Best Practice guidance and the challenge of building bridges with a sector that was initially deeply sceptical of government intervention. We also hear about the opportunities that took Linzi further afield, including a Churchill Fellowship that broadened her horizons and introduced her to people who continue to inspire her today.Linzi shares her passion for venison and the work she is doing to make it more accessible and familiar to communities, including through education and the Hill to Grill project. We talk about reconnecting people with where their food comes from, the importance of demonstrating the versatility of venison and the opportunities that exist to bring rural businesses, communities and young people together.This episode is full of passion, perspective and inspiration, with a reminder that sometimes the opportunities that change our lives come from the most unexpected conversations. As Linzi says, follow what puts fire in your belly and be willing to take the opportunities that come your way.The Award Winning Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.Connect with Linzi and Findhorn Venison on social media : Instagram - @linziseivwright / @findhornvenisonEpisode Recorded on 14th August 2026.All views expressed are our own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Educational Episode 4 : Business Continuity - Preparing for Life’s Unexpected EventsNo business is immune to life's unexpected events. Marriage, illness, divorce and death can all have significant implications for rural businesses which makes  preparation just as important as planning for the future and any unexpected challenges. In this educational episode, Hannah is joined by Sharon Murray and Agnes Mallon from Gillespie Macandrew to explore how rural business owners can protect both their families and their businesses when sometimes faced with unexpected events. Building on our previous episodes covering succession planning, inheritance tax and business structures, this conversation focuses on practical steps every farming and rural business should consider to improve resilience and ensure business continuity.Key takeaways you can expect from tuning in:Why business continuity planning is just as important as succession planning.How marriage, civil partnerships and divorce can affect family businesses.Why partnership agreements, wills and Powers of Attorney are essential documents not just paperwork.The practical implications of illness or incapacity for sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.Common risks rural businesses overlook and the simple steps that can help avoid costly disputes.Why having difficult conversations before a crisis arises can protect both relationships and the future of your business.Whether you're farming as a family, running a diversified rural business or simply want to be better prepared for the unexpected, this episode offers practical advice and expert insights to help safeguard your business for the future.The Award Winning Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.Connect with Agnes, Sharon and Gillespie Macandrew on social media : LinkedIn - Agnes Mallon / Sharon Murray / Gillespie Macandrew LLP \\ Instagram - @Gillespiemacandrewllp Episode Recorded on Friday 26th June 2026.All views expressed are our own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 65 : Rebecca MacTaggart - Calves to ConfidenceRebecca McTaggart certainly has her hand in many pies. From farming and feed sales to ski seasons, holiday cottages and the Scottish Women in Dairy network this episode is packed with energy, humour and plenty of stories along the way.Growing up on a dairy farm in Dumfries and Galloway, Rebecca shares her passion for farming and the route that led her into the agricultural industry. Alongside her day job working with farmers she also juggles holiday accommodation changeovers, busy calving seasons and a love of adventure that has taken her everywhere from ski resorts to bungee jumps.Rebecca speaks openly about saying yes to opportunities, building confidence and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone. We also dive into the creation of the Scottish Women in Dairy network alongside Tracey Roan - the very first Women in Wellies Podcast guest! -  and the importance of creating spaces where women in agriculture can connect, support each other and build confidence within the industry.With laughter, honesty and ambition balanced with reflections on rural life, friendship, hard work and making the most of every opportunity that comes your way this episode is sure to inspire and uplift.The Award Winning Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.Connect with Rebecca, Rascarrel Bay Lodges and the Scottish Women in Dairy Network on social media : Instagram - @Becca_Tag / @Rascarel_Bay_Lodges / @scottishwomenindairy \\ Facebook - Rascarrel Bay Lodges / Becca Tags Travel Bookings - all your ski holiday bookingsFind out more about the Scottish Women in Dairy Network here : https://scottishwomenindairy.co.uk/Episode Recorded on 28th April 2026.All views expressed are our own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.