Union asks women members about barriers they face to being involved
NFU Scotland is seeking views from its membership about engaging women in union work and the perceived barriers for those who wish to get involved.
The survey ties in with the union’s wider work in encouraging more women to get involved at all levels – from grassroots to board level – and it is hoped that through the responses, the union can seek to address any issues that women are experiencing when trying to do this.
Gemma Cooper, policy manager for NFUS, said: “NFUS has been involved in the industry-wide working group which has been organising events for the last few years.
“In addition to this, we have been considering internally what the reasons may be for an apparently lower level of women engaging with the union than men and as a result of this, NFUS is now seeking to obtain views directly from its membership.
Ms Cooper went on: “NFUS has faced criticism for the perception of a lack of women engaging with the union and its structures in recent years, and we know that agriculture is traditionally a male-dominated industry.
“We cannot deny that in this day and age the public perception of an all-male board of directors and presidential team is something which some argue is no longer acceptable.
“What some may be surprised to hear is that in reality we actually have 25 women who hold positions on regional boards and head office committees, who help to formulate NFUS policy and thus they are undoubtedly playing a vital role in the direction of the union.
“In addition to this we have 39 women in our head office staff and group secretary network.”
The survey is open to NFUS members until February 13. Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 97 store heifers at Ayr on Thursday to a top of £1,200 per head and 231.8p per kg to average £898.51 and 214.5p, while 105 store, beef-bred bullocks peaked at £1,150 and 247.6p to level at £924.48 and 218.5p.
Twenty-six store, B&W bullocks sold to £950 and 155p to average £717.12 and 145.9p.
C&D Auction Marts Ltd sold 5,317 prime hoggs in Longtown on Thursday to a top of £110 per head and 268p per kg to average 175p (+3p on the week).
The firm also had 4,556 cast sheep forward when heavy ewes sold to £148 for Texels and averaged £73.88 (-72p), while light ewes peaked at £76 for Lleyns and levelled at £35.11 (-£3.40). Rams sold to £143 for a Texel and averaged £79.42.