International Women’s Day 2024

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day here at Wensleydale Creamery on Friday 8th March, by shining a light on some key members of our team.

From farm to fork, women play a crucial part within the Wensleydale workforce and we’ve spoken to five colleagues about their roles and why International Women’s Day is important to them.

Rowan Chapman, Farmer’s Wife 

Describing her role as ‘farmer’s wife’, Rowan Chapman works alongside her husband and father-in-law, running their small family dairy farm. 

Rowan says: “We don’t employ any full-time staff, so I help as a part-time farm worker alongside running the household and doing the school run.

“My main jobs are milking, bottling our raw milk, which we sell at the farm gate and helping with whatever livestock jobs need doing each day. 

“Our herd have been supplying Wensleydale Creamery for nine years now and we love that our milk goes into making globally known products, made by a great local business.

It’s good to know that there are opportunities for my daughter in the future, should she choose to work in this field

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to stop and think about the role that women play in agriculture. Our vets, feed rep, relief milker and pasture consultant are all women, working in traditional male roles and it’s good to know that there are opportunities for my daughter in the future, should she choose to work in this field.” 

Judy Brennand, Cheese Quality Improvement Manager 

Judy Brennand, our Cheese Quality Improvement Manager joined Wensleydale Creamery 23 years ago. 

With a production and technical background, Judy is responsible for overseeing ‘quality’, in order to produce consistently excellent cheese, and monitors, facilitates and coaches the whole team from end to end. 

Judy says: “What I like most about working for Wensleydale Creamery is firstly the people. The team here are passionate and care about the product, but above all, want to make the best quality British Cheese. 

It’s really important for younger generations, as the challenges get harder, especially with things like childcare, that women can be supported to realise their full potential

“As a mother of three, I‘ve been fortunate to receive support and flexibility in my role when I‘ve needed it at various points in my career.   

“International Women’s Day is a great way to recognise and shine a light on women in business. I think it’s really important for younger generations, as the challenges get harder, especially with things like childcare, that women can be supported to realise their full potential.” 

Sophie Oliver, New Product Development Technologist 

Sophie Oliver joined Wensleydale Creamery in September 2022 as a New Product Development (NPD) Technologist  

Involved in developing new products for both Wensleydale Creamery and our customers, Sophie’s also responsible for keeping up to date with current food trends and how these can be translated into new products.  

Sophie says: “My role involves creating samples of new products and perfecting the recipes which can then be upscaled in factory trials.  

For me, International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate women and promote that they can do whatever they want, if they put their mind to it

“I really enjoy the focus that Wensleydale has on its provenance and quality, sourcing ingredients from small farms here in the Yorkshire Dales. Since joining the team I have learnt a lot in a short time and hope to eventually be involved in presenting and launching new product ideas to customers. 

“For me, International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate women and promote that they can do whatever they want, if they put their mind to it, which is an important message for women at the start of their careers like me.” 

Melissa Clark, Quality Lead

Melissa Clark joined the Wensleydale Creamery team 20 years ago, initially as a Production Operative in the factory.  She’s now our Quality Lead, based at Kirkby Malzeard and is responsible for the team checking the quality of every batch of cheese before it can be sent out. 

The team here are great, and I’ve been able to take advantage of the development and support opportunities on offer

Melissa says: “I live really locally, so as a large employer in a rural area, Wensleydale offered some great opportunities for me.  My role is interesting and everyday is different with it’s own challenges which I really enjoy. 

“The team here are great, and I’ve been able to take advantage of the development and support opportunities on offer, which have enabled me to progress from the factory floor, into lab work and now QC Manager. Wensleydale have provided training throughout, with lots of on the job, hands on experience. 

“It’s great that International Women’s Day recognises the contribution made by women in the workforce, as well as highlighting the challenges they face too.  It’s good to get the conversation going!” 

Steph Ward, Purchasing Planning Manager 

Purchasing Planning Manager Steph Ward, joined the team in 2015 and her role covers a number of areas including procurement, supplier relationships and planning.   

Steph ensures that the team at both sites have the correct materials available at the right time, from salt, cultures and starters right through to packaging. 

Initially joining as Site Manager, she moved into Production Planning after having her first daughter, and then into Procurement.    

We’re so privileged here in the UK, but International Women’s Day is a good opportunity for us to highlight women further afield

Steph says: “Since joining, the business has grown immensely.  The highlight of my time with Wensleydale is actually my current role, as there are huge opportunities for learning and development which is very rewarding. 

“We’re so privileged here in the UK, but International Women’s Day is a good opportunity for us to highlight women further afield. Pressure to simultaneously be mothers and to build successful careers still have a way to go in many workplaces, but I’ve felt very supported during my time at Wensleydale.” 

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