Dairy sector told to defend its reputation amid social media scrutiny

Television commentator and equestrian figure Alice Plunkett urged dairy farmers to protect their image

Dairy farmers have been urged to take control of their industry’s image and “make their voices heard” in the face of growing scrutiny.

More than 120 delegates attended this year’s Women in Dairy Conference on 17 September, with organisers hailing it as one of the most inspiring yet.

The event, run by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), brought together farmers and industry leaders for a day of talks, networking and shared learning.

Among the keynote speakers was television commentator and equestrian figure Alice Plunkett, who delivered a strong call for dairy farmers to protect the sector’s public image and social licence.

Plunkett, a long-time advocate for the equestrian sector, drew comparisons between the pressures faced by horse sports and those now confronting farming.

“All of us are depressed and miserable at the vegan-led social media that seems to be leading the conversation in this country,” she told delegates.

“We have to understand that we have a voice—and that voice needs to be heard.”

She urged delegates to recognise that how they present themselves—on social media, at local shows or simply welcoming visitors to their farms—matters deeply.

“Our industry shapes how the country looks, how it’s fed, how people are employed, how communities are formed. And each of you carries the responsibility to show that proudly.”

RABDF chief executive, and chair of this year’s conference, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, said ‘As a charity dedicated to dairy farming, we’re excited about our plans to become a much stronger ambassador and advocate for the industry.

"Alice has hit on an issue that the whole dairy sector can relate to. Farmers can expect a lot more from RABDF in this area, as we gear ourselves up to be an organisation at the forefront of promoting the huge positives and great story dairy farming has to tell.’

Alice and her husband William Fox-Pitt are due to take on the presidency of the Royal Bath & West Show next year, which she described as responsibility to champion British agriculture.

"Let’s make sure that people see the pride, care and community at the heart of our industry.”