Emily Lees: Where are the clothes for farming women?

As a shorter-than-average woman working on an organic beef farm, the challenges I face tend to be a bit different from those of my average-man-sized husband.

Although out-of-reach grease nipples are a particular cause of heartbreak for me, one of my foremost challenges is finding clothing and equipment to fit.

For the TikTok and Instagram users reading this, my hypothetical GRWM (Get Ready With Me) will bare the naked truth: a collection of children’s clothes.

My boiler suit is a John Deere children’s classic from their “Deluxe Junior” catalogue. 

See also: Emily Lees – farmers shouldn’t pay meat ‘middleman’ costs

About the author

Emily Lees

Raised in Scotland, Emily Lees worked in the pharmaceutical industry before heading to Dorset to help run her husband’s family farm. Based in the Poole Harbour catchment, the farm produces organic beef and has many diversifications.

Read more articles by Emily Lees

A trip to a local shop dealership provided me with one choice of dealer boots, an uncomfortable orthopaedic-looking lace-up pair, giving me the appearance of a farmer with bunions.

Well-known farming footwear brands often start sizing options at 7, frustrating for me with size 4 trotters.

In the UK, the average man’s shoe size is 9, and for women size 6, so even the average women would struggle to find the right protective footwear.

Now dressed like a toddler cosplaying Bob the Builder, I enter the yard to begin handing out the tasks for the day.

I am not confident, however, that my childlike look is encouraging the farm staff to take me seriously.

Often, they look to my husband for confirmation, rather than taking my concise directions as gospel.

Is this because I am a woman? Or perhaps my lack of a farming degree? Whatever the case, I am doubtful my attire helps.

Driving the tractor, I find myself balancing on the edge of my seat because the seat will not move far enough forward for me to reach the pedals.

I am safe enough, but mightily uncomfortable, and the boys love to remark when they next take the wheel and find their knees making love to their chins.

Farmers Weekly has included many articles discussing the gender imbalance in farming. The industry is so male-dominated it is incredibly intimidating to get involved.

But if we are to encourage more women to join the fantastic mix of individuals feeding Britain, it’s not just attitudes to women we need to change. We need to provide some clothes that actually fit us.