Sally Williams

Joint Winner of the 2023 Alumni Champion Award

About Sally:

Following graduation Sally returned to the 328-ha family farm of Clackmae in the Scottish Borders to take day to day responsibility for the management of the 340 dairy cow herd. Sally fully embraced technology to assist her in the efficient running of the herd including the introduction of Lely Astronaut milking robots. Sally's expertise in operating milking robots led to her gaining a consultancy role with Lely to assist other dairy farmers when they first install this technology. Sally showcases her management of the dairy herd at Clackmae through numerous farmer and student visits and to the public through LEAF open days, RHET visits and Go Rural Scotland videos. Sally posts regular videos and updates on the farm Facebook page. The Clackmae pumpkin patch, a new venture in the last couple of years, has brought more opportunity to interface with the public on farm and online. Whilst being a full-time farmer, Sally has taken on high-profile rural leadership roles as National Chair of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (2012-13) and Chair of the Oxford Farming Conference (2020-21). Sally is also an active participant in several rural leadership groups including Women in Agriculture, Scottish Enterprise Rural Anchor and Scottish Agritourism Network. 

What the judges said:

“Sally is a worthy Alumni Champion for her tireless efforts to improve the agricultural industry for all but particularly the underrepresented.

Whilst Oxford Farming Conference chair an interviewer asked Sally which trait made her such an effective leader and she replied "honesty" which very appropriately sums her up.”