Working for a more equitable farming industry
Liz Haines
Dairy farmer and Nuffield Scholar
About the campaign
Level the Field is a campaign to make agriculture fairer, more equitable and more inviting for everyone.
By engaging people and organisations across our industry, Level the Field will champion inclusivity for the benefit of farm businesses and all who work in them.
The campaign kicked off in 2024, focusing on women in farming, and is now in its second year, focusing on neurodiversity.
We aim to offer solutions to the challenges of attracting, retaining and developing talent, supported by key partners in the industry through workshops, training guides, events and more.
If you want to get involved with the campaign, as a sponsor, ambassador, or any kind of supporter, please get in touch with Anna Eccleston - anna.eccleston@markallengroup.com
Neurodiversity in Farming
An estimated 15-20% of the general population have neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia – and Farmers Weekly research suggests that figure could be as high as 36% in the farming community.
These different ways of learning, processing information and experiencing the world bring amazing strengths which benefit our industry, but also come with challenges.
Throughout the course of 2025, we will be publishing a series of digital guides, offering practical support to farm businesses that want to attract, retain, develop and champion neurodivergent staff.
The guides will look at the commercial benefits of having diverse teams, and cover the following topics:
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- Educating your team about neurodiversity
- Neurodiversity friendly recruitment
- Neurodiversity friendly training
- Neurodiversity friendly communication
- Neurodiversity friendly working environments
- Mental health and neurodiversity
Neurodiversity research
How does it feel to be neurodiverse?
“I record absolutely every single condition or scratch my sheep get religiously, I also have all my farm equipment and tools labelled and heavily organised. By doing this I got 100% on my QMS assessment two years in a row.”
“Working the long hours often associated with the farming industry isn't sustainable for me. I have to manage my time so that I don't become burnt out and sabotage my mental health.”
“I am told by many, that I am the most practical person they know. Academically I'm useless. My mind thinks in flow diagrams and come to decisions very quickly.”
“I think farming has helped me in so many ways, it's given me the quiet space I need to get somewhat better gain skills i.e. now able to lamb 100 sheep, vets are incredibly supportive which I look on as CPD training every time they come out as I can learn.”
“Without my neurological differences, I would probably never have found a fulfilling career in agriculture... Agriculture is such a broad industry that provides a fundamental sense of purpose and connection. It offers a lot to neurodiverse individuals like myself.”
“There is still a negative view of people who speak up about their diagnoses, and people are quickly labelled as wanting attention for being labelled. This is unfair and needs to change!”
“I think ADHD is a superpower in farming in a way as I am efficient and like to work quickly but it can lead to carelessness and I have to ensure that I am careful in the decisions I make and ensure I don't cut corners or compromise mine or others safety.”
Women in Farming
There are many women working across the board within agriculture in a variety of roles, but we recognise that our industry can always do more to attract more women to farming careers and make it a more inclusive environment.
As part of our Level the Field campaign, we seek to engage all people and organisations across our industry, men and women alike, to bring about change that will make agriculture fairer, more equitable and more inviting for women.
Read our research, information and digital guides on the 2024 campaign.
Over 2025 the campaign will continue with roundtables and webinars.
Guides
Sponsor messages
Frontier Agriculture
Frontier Agriculture is the UK's leading crop production and grain marketing business, recognised for close customer relationships and successful management of the arable supply chain.
A proud supporter of Level the Field, we’re committed to being a great place to work where everyone - whatever their gender - can achieve their ambitions inside and outside work.
Frontier surveys its 1,200 employees who anonymously provide feedback every 18 months via the Great Place to Work institute (GPTW). This results in jointly developed action plans that are used to improve the workplace environment. Frontier has consistently been ranked in the top 30 UK best large workplaces by GPTW. s GPTW compares over 10,000 organisations in more than 50 different countries and benchmarks feedback. Companies are measured on their culture, behaviours and the environment as these factors underpin the world's most desirable workplaces and successful businesses.
“Frontier is about working ambitiously, working collaboratively and enjoying the success that this creates.” Mark Aitchison, Managing Director
Find out more about the benefits of working at Frontier on our website: www.frontierag.co.uk/work-at-frontier
CLA
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales.
For over 100 years we have championed and defended landowners and rural businesses across England and Wales. We are the only organisation that exists solely for that purpose. That is why 26,000 family farms, estates, small holdings, rural businesses and country homes trust the CLA to support their interests.
Members have access to:
- A team of expert advisers who understand your business and your local area, offering specific guidance tailored to you needs.
- A programme of events allowing you to engage exclusively with local and national politicians, policy makers and industry leaders
- A monthly magazine and weekly e-newsletter giving you the inside track on the latest industry developments as well as case studies and new ideas to apply to your own business
The CLA has a long-standing reputation in Westminster and Cardiff as an influential and forward thinking membership body. By joining you are helping to guarantee a strong voice for landowners and rural businesses, preserving your property rights for future generations and ensuring that governments in England and Wales make decisions with your best interests in mind.
ADM
ADM unlocks the power of nature to enrich the quality of life. We're a premier global human and animal nutrition company, delivering solutions with an eye to the future. We're blazing new trails in health and well-being as our scientists develop groundbreaking products to support healthier living. We're a cutting-edge innovator leading the way to a new future of plant-based consumer and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products.
We're an unmatched agricultural supply chain manager and processor, providing food security by connecting local needs with global capabilities. And we're a leader in sustainability, scaling across entire value chains to help decarbonize our industry and safeguard our planet. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional and sustainability challenges of today and tomorrow.
Learn more at www.adm.com.
ADM Agriculture UK
Sources rapeseed and milling wheat from UK farmers for ADM's processing facilities and supplies wheat, malting barley, feed barley, cereals, pulses and non-grain feed ingredients to UK-based customers, alongside export markets. Products include:
- All combinable crops
- Fertilisers
- Seeds
- Human consumption pulses
- Non-grain feed ingredients
ADM Milling UK
Supplies a range of products for the bakery and food manufacturing sectors via its wheat flour mills and technical centre, strategically located throughout the UK. Products include:
- Flours: white, wholemeal, etc.
- Cake and speciality flours
- Bakery mixes and concentrates
- Improvers
- Complementary products
ADM Oilseeds
At Erith, we operate a crushing and refining plant, producing refined oil for food ingredients and biofuels. The meal produced from crushing operations is used as a mid-protein feed ingredient by livestock producers across the UK, France and Ireland. At Purfleet, we operate one of the largest vegetable oil refineries in the UK, with an unparalleled portfolio of edible oils and fats, producing bulk bespoke blends for the food and feed industries. Pack hall capabilities encompassing five lines, producing a range of products, including pastry, bakery, margarines and functional fats, in addition to a range of packed and bottled oils for the food service and catering sectors.
Why are we supporting the 'Level The Field' campaign?
We have been on our own Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging journey for some time. Whilst we recognise we still have more progress to make, as one of the largest partners of the UK farming industry, we wanted to show our support for the sector by backing this important campaign to help drive positive change. We have seen real beneficial impacts in own businesses by embracing diversity and are keen to learn more whilst working with other partners.
ADM Protexin
A specialist health and wellness business, responsible for the production, marketing and sale of a range of probiotic based supplements for the global animal and human nutrition markets, including:
Human
- Digestive health
- Infant and women's health
- Central nervous system Veterinary
- Liver support
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Joint health
Animal nutrition
- Feed additives for production animals
- Equine digestive health
ADM Wild UK
Comprises a sales office and customer creation and innovation centre where ADM WILD UK work in partnership with customers to bring new food and beverage products to the market. Products are distributed directly to customers in the UK and Ireland, including:
- Nutrition ingredients
- Bases, seasonings, colours & flavour systems
- Binders, emulsifiers, oils & stabilizers
- On-trend whole foods
ADM Investor Services International
A full-service, multi-asset brokerage company, delivering clearing and brokerage services to all major investment markets, including:
- Global commodities including grains and oilseeds, sugar, coffee, cocoa, energy, freight and metals
- Global equities and fixed income
- eFX
- 24-hour market access and execution
TIAH
The Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture (Tiah) is the home of skills and career support for the agriculture and horticulture industry.
Agriculture and horticulture are undergoing huge changes. Many farmers and growers will need to adapt to ensure their businesses will be profitable and sustainable in the future, while contributing positively to the environment.
Tiah is here to help farmers and growers to develop and thrive in today’s challenges. Providing tailored advice and practical tools to enhance skills and lifelong learning.
For those who aspire to a career in farming and growing, Tiah serves as a gateway to the guidance, support, and training they need to pursue rewarding professional paths.
Regardless of where you are in career journey, Tiah’s online service stands as a comprehensive resource hub. Unlock your potential with Tiah membership:
- Access learning resources online: Your personalised learning hub helps you focus on the skills and knowledge you want to develop
- Search for trusted, local training providers: Our training directory can help you find providers you can trust
- Keep all your training records: Log all your CPD in one private, secure online dashboard
- Identify and plan your training needs: Our interactive tool allows you to highlight your current skills and knowledge levels
- Save time with toolkits: from advice and expert webinars to useful templates
- Fast-track your career: Invest in yourself with professional development opportunities
Membership to Tiah’s online service is launching on 10 January 2024.
Find out more at tiah.org www.tiah.org/membership
Arla
Arla Foods is a global dairy co-operative owned by 8,500 dairy farmers, around 1,900 of which are in the UK.
Dating back to 1881, Arla’s purpose is to secure the highest value for its farmers’ milk, while creating opportunities for their growth.
As a company owned by farmers, all our profits are returned to our farmer owners.
Arla Foods UK is the largest dairy cooperative in the country and is the UK’s largest supplier of organic dairy products and have UK favourite brands like Arla Cravendale, Lurpak and Anchor.
The UK business has a team of approximately 3,600 colleagues located at its dairies, creameries, distribution centres and head office.
Find out more at www.arlafoods.co.uk
AHDB
1 We are proud to have equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our organisation. We are committed to driving real change through the work we do and by our industry leadership.
We deliver transformational projects to drive productivity and boost farming and supply chain businesses.
We want the industry to thrive in a rapidly changing world and continue to produce high-quality food, maintain our beautiful landscape and leave a legacy for generations to come.
So whether we’re introducing tools to help farmers improve profitability, advising on reducing pesticide use or developing new markets for our farmers and processors’ products, we’re passionate about inspiring farmers, growers and processors to achieve their full potential. Striving for excellence so they can compete with the best around the globe.
We work with farmers, growers, packers, processors, agronomists, vets and abattoirs. This helps us unify the industry, bridge gaps in knowledge and encourage collaboration to build a stronger future for everyone.
We put people at the heart of everything we do. Be that through encouraging collaboration through our network of Strategic and Monitor Farms, providing nutritional information to educate children about where their food comes from, or developing apprenticeships for the next generation.
We are pleased to be part of the Level the Field campaign and playing our part in helping make agriculture fairer, more equitable and more inviting for women.
AHDB
We are proud to have equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our organisation. We are committed to driving real change through the work we do and by our industry leadership.
We deliver transformational projects to drive productivity and boost farming and supply chain businesses.
We want the industry to thrive in a rapidly changing world and continue to produce high-quality food, maintain our beautiful landscape and leave a legacy for generations to come.
So whether we’re introducing tools to help farmers improve profitability, advising on reducing pesticide use or developing new markets for our farmers and processors’ products, we’re passionate about inspiring farmers, growers and processors to achieve their full potential. Striving for excellence so they can compete with the best around the globe.
We work with farmers, growers, packers, processors, agronomists, vets and abattoirs. This helps us unify the industry, bridge gaps in knowledge and encourage collaboration to build a stronger future for everyone.
We put people at the heart of everything we do. Be that through encouraging collaboration through our network of Strategic and Monitor Farms, providing nutritional information to educate children about where their food comes from, or developing apprenticeships for the next generation.
We are pleased to be part of the Level the Field campaign and playing our part in helping make agriculture fairer, more equitable and more inviting for women.
Find out more at ahdb.org.uk
Want to get involved with the campaign as a sponsor, ambassador, or supporter?
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