Bovine TB specialist wins top dairy industry award

Bovine TB specialist Sarah Tomlinson has been named Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2026, with judges praising her work supporting farming families affected by the disease.

The AHDB lead veterinary science expert received the accolade at The Cream Awards on 3 September after being selected from a four-strong shortlist.

Judges highlighted her leadership, industry influence and ability to communicate on one of farming’s most emotive animal-health issues.

Claire Hodge, agriculture relationship manager at HSBC and a member of the judging panel, said: “Above all, Sarah inspired the judges with her sense of purpose, drive, impact and humility in the face of such achievement.”

Ms Hodge said the judging panel had been particularly struck by Ms Tomlinson’s personal and professional experiences, which extended beyond her technical work on bovine TB.

She said those experiences demonstrated a strong understanding of the human impact the disease can have on farming families.

Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, RABDF chief executive and a member of the judging panel, said: “Sarah embodies everything Women in Dairy is about.”

She praised Ms Tomlinson’s ability to share her knowledge on a highly political and emotive subject while engaging with people across the industry.

“Through her influential work on bTB, Sarah has provided hope, support and kindness to thousands of farmers facing some of the most difficult times of their lives,” Ms Campbell-Gibbons said.

She added that Ms Tomlinson had become an inspiration to women across the sector through both her industry profile and the way she approaches her work.

The Dairy Industry Woman of the Year award is organised by Women in Dairy, an initiative of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers, and sponsored by HSBC.

Now in its tenth year, the award recognises women making a significant contribution to the dairy sector and helping to champion its future.

This year’s shortlist also included Lorna Burdge of Waterhayne Farms, who was recognised for connecting farming with the wider community through Open Farm Sunday, educational visits and the farm’s vending machine.

Leanne Bertram of Grahams Family Dairy was shortlisted for her leadership and work inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture.

Vicky Sloane-Masson of Ballacricket Farm was recognised for her commitment to animal welfare, adoption of innovation and support for young people and women in farming.

The award forms part of Women in Dairy’s wider work to connect women across the sector through discussion groups, networking and industry events.