Farming remains dominated by 'older' men as new survey suggests just 12% of principle ag workers are women

Highest proportion of farmers aged 65 years and above as industry says more must be done to broaden sector's reach

Jane Thynne
Head of News and Business
clock • 2 min read
A new Defra report said on 12% of farms in England are led by women
Image:

A new Defra report said on 12% of farms in England are led by women

Women account for just 12% of England's principle farmers, according to the latest Defra figures, which also revealed the majority of the workforce is aged over 65. For the first time, the department's...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Life

Only Farmers co-founder and Clarkson Farm star's son joins Farmers Guardian's diversification panel

Only Farmers co-founder and Clarkson Farm star's son joins Farmers Guardian's diversification panel

This free webinar is on September 24 (7-8pm)

Rachael Brown
clock 17 September 2026 • 1 min read
Farming summit highlights threats to upland farms

Farming summit highlights threats to upland farms

UK farming unions stressed that falling livestock numbers threatened food security in uncertain times.

Rachael Brown
clock 17 September 2026 • 3 min read
Siblings smash gruelling 100 mile run in 24-hour marathon in father's memory

Siblings smash gruelling 100 mile run in 24-hour marathon in father's memory

Olivia Midgley
clock 15 September 2026 • 2 min read