Women in dairy deliver

The International Dairy Federation has released its , IDF Women in Dairy Report ahead of the World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile being held this week. It is an interesting read and one that Dr Judith Bryans of Dairy UK (and a speaker at our Expo on 29 October) says, “The evidence is clear: diversity enhances positive outcomes. Data consistently shows that teams which are gender, ethnically, and age diverse, make better decisions and achieve stronger profitability than those that are less diverse.”

I think that should sink in, especially in countries where the issue of women’s rights is now under attack – US, I am looking at you. Believe it or not, your business will do better, the more diverse it is. The more you support women and groups that traditionally are considered “minorities,” the profits will increase.

The data backs this up and, when women get more money, they invest in their communities and their children’s education – this is where dairy provides an income and success for populations globally.

Everyone wins when women’s contributions are recognised, their access to resources and leadership roles are increased and inclusive policies are created. “Empowering women in dairy is a strategic investment in sustainable, equitable and resilient food systems,” the report notes.

In the report, it mentions the US, where the agricultural science-related degrees are being pursued by a majority of women, but where “the percentage of women in leadership roles within the dairy industry remains concerningly low.” Despite the decreased enrolment in higher education in the US, it’s more diverse and female than ever before. Support for these students is key, and the study aims to help.

Meanwhile, in Australia they have the “cream of the crop,” a grassroots initiative to celebrate, inspire and educate rural women in dairy. It provides an inclusive platform for learning, storytelling and leadership. It also helps connect what is normally a quite isolated job.

These are great stories to hear as we go into the next phase and continue to work through all the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, of which number 5 is gender equality. Reports from Chile, Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Ireland, Zimbabwe and China, to name just some of the features, are included in this year’s report.

Don’t miss it, it’s free: https://shop.fil-idf.org/products/issue-3-idf-women-in-dairy-report-2025

• Suzanne Christiansen, editor, Dairy Industries International.
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