When you think of a farmer, do you instantly picture a stocky man herding cattle or harvesting crops? It seems that many people presume that you will only find men out and about on the fields of gold and getting their fingers dirty. However, one passionate women isn’t afraid to get stuck in and get herself involved in all things agriculture.

Jessica Sloss

Jessica Sloss, Red Tractor’s Industry Communications Manager, was ready to break all stereotypes and prove that women are just as capable to manage a farm full of noisy animals.

Since her teenage years, Jessica Sloss wanted to work in agriculture so much that she nearly dropped out of her sixth form college to study animal care. Realising that getting a degree in law might be more advantageous; Jessica went to UWE, Bristol and qualified with an LLB Hons in 2007.

Work experience whilst at college, took Jessica to ACAS and in her final year at university she got a part time job with them in their Bristol office. Once qualified she worked there full time, working up to the Senior Adviser & Conciliator position in 2012, mediating disputes between trade unions and companies.

Jessica with the cattle

During this role, Jessica had her damascene moment and realised this was not what she wanted to do for the next 40 years. It was at this point that her beloved granny passed away and left her enough money to do to pursue her dreams of studying agriculture.  The Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester admitted her onto the Graduate Diploma in Agriculture course – Jessica loved it so much she even attended lectures for other modules she wasn’t taking. Jessica left the Royal Agricultural College with a Merit in 2012.

In her holidays and free time, Jessica ensured she did as much work experience as possible, when and wherever she could – using Twitter to find many of these placements. She gained hands on experience lambing and milking cows in mid-wales, and working with pigs and haymaking on a mixed smallholding in Oxfordshire. During this placement Jessica got the call offering an interview for Red Tractor, the largest food assurance scheme in the UK.

It was a match made in heaven and started working there in July 2013 as Industry Communications Manager. Her love of all things agricultural hasn’t waned, it has only increased. Last November, she took a busman’s holiday spending her annual leave harvesting olives on a farm in Florence, Italy and this year took leave to return to help with lambing in mid-wales.

Olive Picking

These days, Jessica spends many weekends helping out on the smallholding from her work experience days and has no regrets hanging up her mediator cap and donning her wellingtons.

Jessica chats to Female First about taking the plunge to pursue her passion and why she doesn’t regret a single thing.

As you work for Red Tractor- what does this entail?

Just about everything and anything!  One day I’ll be out at a member’s farm, the next, I might be in my office developing new standards for our members. Another Day, I’ll be at an agricultural show or giving a talk to school children about the food chain, from farm to fork.

Why did you choose to work in the farming industry?

I’ve always wanted to work in agriculture. It’s such an important part of survival. It doesn’t matter if the economy is doing well or if we’re in a recession. One thing is for sure – we’re always going to need food.

What is it about Red Tractor that you enjoy working for?

I like the variety of the job. Every day is different and that keeps it interesting

Did you ever get criticised over your career choice?

No, on the contrary, I’ve found everyone has been really supportive. I found lots of people actually commented on how brave it was to give up such a good career in law in the middle of a recession.  I never saw it as a brave move but if I hadn’t been so lucky finding a good job, I might have thought it was a very stupid move!

Do you experience any criticism today?

No. Everyone has been incredibly positive.

Why do you think women are still stereotyped to certain job roles?

I don’t know about the stereotypes but I think there are so many jobs and careers out there that are never really talked about at school. I can’t remember agriculture ever being discussed for boys or girls at school. The ‘closest’ thing I remember being an option was floristry!

What would your advice be to other women who dream of working on a farm?

Go for it! I’d suggest getting as much work experience as possible to find out exactly what element of farming you want to get into. It’s such a diverse industry with so many opportunities – working in farming doesn’t necessarily have to mean working on a farm so decide which part of the industry you want to work in.

What actions did you take in making farming a career?

In 2012 I enrolled at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester and completed their “Graduate Diploma in Agriculture” course.  Getting hands-on experience during the holidays is essential and it’s a great way to get contacts for when you graduate.

Where there any moments which you felt that it was hard as a woman to work in farming?

I’m not very strong and sometimes that’s a disadvantage. I definitely can’t lift as much as some of the guys I’ve worked with but you just have to do what you can and not be afraid to ask for help if you need it!

You originally studied law. When did you realise that this wasn’t for you?

I don’t really think at any stage I thought it was for me. I thought a law degree would make me employable, no matter what field I chose to go into. Farming was always at the back of my mind but after the death of my wonderful 98 year old granny, I took the leap as I was lucky enough to be left the right amount of money for the agricultural course.

What advice would you give to women who aren’t happy with the job they are doing and need the push to do what they love?

I would say go for it. You’re more likely to regret the things that you haven’t done.

Having said that, I was in a very fortunate position as I didn’t have any ties. It’s much easier to take the plunge when you don’t have kids or a mortgage to think about! For me, it was one of those moments where you think if I don’t do this now, I never will! 

Look out for Red Tractor Week (15-21 September 2014), Red Tractor is the largest food assurance scheme in the UK. They help ensure that the food you buy is traceable, safe to eat and has been produced responsibly – from farms to fork!

by for www.femalefirst.co.uk

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