Both said they were delighted to make the shortlist and congratulated overall winner Claire Whittle, from North Wales.
She won the award for combining her work as a practising vet with farming and consultancy, championing regenerative agriculture and ecosystem health.
The awards celebrate the achievements of women in the dairy sector, recognising individuals who demonstrate Women in Dairy values to connect, share, and inspire others.
“For the past 25 years I've really enjoyed sharing my dairy farming knowledge with people from all walks of life and all ages.”
NFU member Jane Barnes
Sharing the knowledge
Judy and Jane attended the Women in Dairy Conference at the Chesford Grange Hotel, in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. Laura Barber, from RABDF, who helped shortlist the final three, said the quality of nominations was exceptional.
She said: “Each of the finalists is an ambassador for our industry, beating the drum for dairy on both a national and local level.”
Jane runs Farmer Barnes Dairy with her husband Mark and son, Harry, producing milk for the award-winning Long Clawson Blue Stilton cheese while welcoming thousands of visitors to the farm. She was nominated for a variety of reasons including her work to share her knowledge through farm tours, talks, and workshops, inspiring the next generation and acting as a passionate dairy ambassador.
Jane is also an NFU Farmers for Schools ambassador speaking to school children about food, farming and the countryside.
She said: “It was a massive surprise to not only be nominated but be a top three finalist for this award.
“For the past 25 years I've really enjoyed sharing my dairy farming knowledge with people from all walks of life and all ages.
“I've enjoyed my 45 years of promoting British food and farming and I'm not retiring yet!”
NFU member Judy Dilks
“To be acknowledged for all my efforts was a huge award in itself and I plan to continue for as long as possible.”
Community connection
Fellow finalist Judy Dilks runs Hassop Family Farm with husband Bob and their children from the heart of the Peak District, producing organic pasteurised milk, raw milk, ice cream, milkshakes and more. She was nominated as she “combines calm leadership with a focus on sustainability, animal welfare, and education”.
Judy connects with the community through school visits but also carries out farm tours and other events, sharing knowledge and inspiring both young farmers and the wider public.
She said: “I feel incredibly honoured to be nominated not just for me but for all the women in farming, just to be recognised as working hard for the dairy industry is amazing.
“I've enjoyed my 45 years of promoting British food and farming and I'm not retiring yet! The support and encouragement I've received from everyone has been overwhelming.
“I must say it’s been such a wonderful experience and the conference was inspiring with fantastic speakers and an audience all having a similar aim and ambition to keep promoting farming and the next generation.”
Dedication and passion
The three finalists were chosen by the Women in Dairy steering committee and were interviewed ahead of the conference and awards ceremony.
Jane Bassett, NFU Derbyshire chair and NFU Midlands regional chair, said: “We had a fabulous day at the conference, made extra special with two worthy finalists from the region.
“Judy's passion for all things dairy shone through brightly and her lifelong interest in connecting with all generations was a joy to see as well as representing all women in agriculture.
“The dedication that Jane has to engaging with the public on her family farm was clear to see, as well as the many talks she gives to a wider audience was an inspiration too.”
