Aylesbury farmer wins national award for 'trailblazing' work in agricultural industry
A farmer in Aylesbury who runs her own agricultural business has won a national award.
Kate Mason, who runs a beef, sheep and arable farm with her family in Aylesbury, was named Training and Education Woman of the Year at the National Women in Agriculture Awards.
Kate claimed the industry accolade in recognition of her leadership role at Vale Training Services Ltd. Her business is described by the National Farmers’ Union as a major rural training provider.
Vale Training Services Ltd runs training services covering plant machinery, chainsaw operation, health and safety, and first aid.
Data provided by the NFU shows Kate has supported more than 40,000 learners and it adds that she has improved the availability of agricultural training within her region.
The National Women in Agriculture Awards are designed to honour “trailblazing, innovating, and leading women” working within the UK’s agricultural sector.
She said: “I’m really flattered to receive this award. It was quite a shock to find out I had been shortlisted and an even bigger shock to then win because there were so many people nominated who I felt were more eligible.
“Our category was one of the last ones to be announced on the night of the ceremony and I was almost in tears when they read out my name, I was quite overwhelmed. The thing that has always driven me is seeing somebody who has had no qualifications end up with something at the end of training that can help them on the next chapter of their life, I think that’s amazing.”
The NFU adds that Kate has been working in the sector for almost 40 years. It was in 2009, with her husband Tim, that they turned the farm into a practical training site.
Kate added: “We see pretty much everybody who goes through our training on a personal basis and it’s really special to be a part of that” she said.
“It does make a difference to the industry because the agricultural colleges can’t always give them the practical skills that are necessary to help them when they come out of college. It was a great honour to receive the award and I am very flattered by the accolade.”
Kate was one of 13 winners announced at a ceremony held in London earlier this month.