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As we kick off our Women in Wagyu series for International Women’s Day, we’re introducing Laura Duckett, a dedicated farmer from Lancashire who, alongside her dad and part-time worker Matt, has grown her Wagyu operation from 200 to 940 head per year on their 500-acre farm.

"We are approaching our third year with Warrendale. We started by introducing ourselves to the programme as a grower/finisher with 200 heads. Since then, we have progressed to finishing 940 per year. Our farm is based in Lancashire and consists of 500 acres. We also winter store sheep and grow our whole crop and silage-based feeds.

When it comes to female role models, I would have to say my grandmother. She’s what I’d call a tough old bird—now in her 90s and still climbing farm gates just to prove she can! Growing up, she would tell me stories about working on the farm with the Land Girls during the war and delivering milk by horse and cart before school, while the men were off fighting.

"One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the beef industry is dealing with the temperament and aggressiveness of other beef breeds. That’s what initially drew me to Wagyu—their reputation for having a much more placid nature. Even loading and unloading them is safer. Wagyu would lick you rather than bowl you over!

"I believe the future for women in farming is positive. Women are now seen as equals, and our ideas are being taken on board to help shape the future of the industry. Farming is about men and women working together—without both, we can’t progress or improve the future of agriculture.

My advice to any young woman thinking of working in the industry? Jump in with both wellies on and "have a do"! Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Warrendale Wagyu has supported us in many ways. From the start, you’re assigned a farm representative who works with you to position your farm in the best place within the production system. The fixed yearly prices allow us to plan with a stable and predictable cash flow. But the most attractive thing about Warrendale is the community—whether you have 10 cows or 1,000, everyone is treated equally. We’re all on the same buying and selling programme, which makes it feel like a real partnership.

A big misconception is that men have a negative opinion about women in farming. In my experience, men are very supportive. I’ve always been encouraged to succeed, and my business wouldn’t function without my dad and Matt—just as they wouldn’t be able to operate without me.

I’m incredibly proud to be a woman in the industry. I tackle farming with a competitive spirit, always trying to do a better job than my male farmer friends next door! It’s all taken in good humour, but it gives me extra drive.
To encourage more women into farming, we need to start with the younger generation—through Young Farmers groups and educational trips. The government and media also need to play their part by portraying farming in a more positive light. Farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life."