SARAH TOMLINSON NAMED DAIRY INDUSTRY WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2026

Bovine TB specialist and AHDB Lead Veterinary Science Expert, Sarah Tomlinson has been named Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2026, beating off stiff competition from one of the strongest fields of entries in the award’s history.

Organised by Women in Dairy, an initiative of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), and sponsored by HSBC, the award was announced at The Cream Awards 2026 on 3 September. Now in its 10th year, it celebrates women making a significant contribution to the dairy industry and championing its future.

Claire Hodge, Agriculture Relationship Manager at HSBC and judge said: “I was so struck by Sarah’s story and journey. All of the judges had a tear in their eye at one point as Sarah shared her personal and professional experiences –- which go beyond her leading work on bovine TB and demonstrate a deep empathy and understanding of the human impact of the disease on farming families.

“Above all, Sarah inspired the judges with her sense of purpose, drive, impact and humility in the face of such achievement.”

Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, RABDF CEO and member of the judging panel, said: “Sarah embodies everything Women in Dairy is about. She shares her knowledge and views on a very political and emotive issue with care, passion and authority, but also manages to engage with people from every walk of industry with a sensitivity and authenticity that few others can.

“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. Because of this, and her industry profile, Sarah is an inspiration to women across the industry, and a very humble one at that. The dairy industry is lucky to have Sarah and we are delighted to recognise her contribution with this award.”

This year saw a particularly strong field of high-quality entries, with four finalists selected by the judging panel.

Alongside Sarah, the finalists were Lorna Burdge of Waterhayne Farms, 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, for her leadership and work inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture; and Vicky Sloane-Masson of Ballacricket Farm, for her determination, commitment to animal welfare, adoption of innovation and support for young people and women in agriculture.

The Dairy Industry Woman of the Year award is a key part of Women in Dairy’s work to connect women across the sector through discussion groups, networking and industry events.

For more information on Women in Dairy, visit www.rabdf.co.uk/women-in-dairy/