Claire Whittle named Dairy Industry Woman of the Year
18th September 2025
Claire Whittle, a veterinary surgeon and farmer from North Wales, has been named Dairy Industry Woman of the Year 2025.
Claire overcame strong competition from fellow finalists Jane Barnes from Leicestershire and Judy Dilks from Derbyshire to become the ninth woman to receive the prestigious award.
The prize, sponsored by HSBC, aims to celebrates the achievements of women in the dairy sector and is presented to the individual who has demonstrated the core values of Women in Dairy of connect, share, and inspire.
Claire combines her work as a practising vet with consultancy for farming businesses, bringing around 10 years’ clinical experience alongside a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
She is known for her ability to connect with farmers nationwide, using thought-provoking social media posts, webinars, and dung beetle safaris to show how small changes can improve animal health, biodiversity, milk production, and the industry’s environmental credentials.
Her engaging approach encourages farmers to think beyond production, towards building a more resilient, climate-smart future for dairy farming.
Championing ambassador of dairy industry
Andy Hipwell from HSBC, one of this year’s judges, said: “Claire’s passion for farming and the dairy sector clearly came across.
“She articulates how she uses her veterinary training and farming knowledge to promote a more climate-resilient approach to milk production, benefiting animal health, biodiversity, and the image of the dairy industry. Dung beetles really do have their own @dr_dowhittle.”
Becca Cavill from Women in Dairy national sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim added that the calibre of nominations this year was “outstanding”, and every finalist is a true ambassador for the industry, championing dairy at both national and local levels.
“Claire stood out for her innovative approach and commitment to building a more resilient, sustainable future for dairy farming,” she concluded.
Women in Dairy is an RABDF initiative designed to bring women working in the dairy industry together through regional discussion group meetings.
The aim is to connect women, share knowledge, develop skills, and inspire by encouraging innovative thinking and vision for the future of UK dairy.
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