Watch: Alumna talks about her journey in new 'Groundbreakers' series

A Harper Adams University alumna has talked about her career as part of a series marking the UN’s Year of the Woman Farmer.

BSc (Hons) Agriculture with Animal Science graduate Sophie Bell spoke with digital publisher Agriland.ie for their ‘Groundbreakers’ series, talking about her journey in the sector, how she has shared that journey online – and some of the challenges she has faced along the way.

Sophie, from Co. Cavan, began talking about her work while at college, and found her follower count really start growing after she had graduated from University.

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sophie Bell ?? (@sophie_bell__)

 She said: “It started building more momentum and I got a bit more vulnerable about my story rather than just sharing the pictures.

"A lot of has come off the back of that and a lot of lovely opportunities.

"I've been able to speak in universities and schools about my journey, and that's helped inspire other people and other young girls in the industry."

While much has changed in agriculture over recent years for the better, Sophie also reflected on further changes which need to be made.

She added: “For example, I've had to change some documents for contracts because they assumed that the person in charge is a man.

"Our planning permission was addressed to Sophie Bell, but the actual paper inside said 'Dear sir' - why are we assuming that the person in charge is a male?

"Hopefully, in years to come, that won't ever be an issue that we'll need to talk about."

Read the full piece here – and watch Sophie’s video above.