Leadership in Agriculture with Christine Tacon

In this episode we're delighted to be joined by Christine Tacon CBE.

The focus of today is all about leadership in agriculture. Christine brings a wealth of leadership experience from her diverse roles in agriculture, and today we’ll explore what leadership means in farming, its importance, and the future of leadership in the sector.

Find out more about the Agri Leadership Week here https://tiah.org/agrileadership-week 

Can you share a bit about your leadership journey in farming? 

Well, my mother studied agriculture, and my uncle was a dairy farmer, but I personally had no involvement in farming until I was headhunted to run the Co-op’s farming business, which I did for 11 years. After that, I took on a portfolio of roles, including being the Groceries Code Adjudicator, where I regulated retailers to ensure they behaved ethically.

I’ve also served on the boards of the Met Office, the Natural Environment Research Council, the Rural Payments Agency, and currently chair Red Tractor and MDS, a graduate recruitment and training business. Another role I’m particularly proud of is setting up Women in Food and Farming about 15 years ago, which is now gaining momentum.

Defining Leadership in Agriculture

What does leadership mean to you, especially in the context of agriculture?

To me, leadership is something every farmer does. It's easy to think of leaders as those managing large teams, but even a solo farmer has to motivate, guide, and ensure that others working on the farm do their jobs safely. That’s leadership.

Leadership isn’t just about managing people; it’s about influencing and guiding them. For instance, when I was at the Co-op, some of my favourite projects involved wildlife initiatives where I encouraged individuals, not just farm managers, to take the lead on areas they were passionate about. This empowered them and made them better leaders in their own right.

The Importance of Leadership Training in Farming

Why is it crucial to be a good leader in farming?

Good leadership isn’t just important in farming—it’s essential in every walk of life. One thing that shocked me when I entered farming was the lack of emphasis on training, especially in leadership.

In other sectors, like confectionery, training was a priority. But in farming, once people leave university, they tend to focus only on technical or health and safety training.

Leadership training is often overlooked, yet it’s vital because it teaches you how to get the best out of people. I’ve always believed that instead of focusing on trying to give 100%, you should aim to inspire those around you to give their best.

Qualities of a Good Leader

What key qualities make a good leader? 

The ability to elevate those around you. Great leaders can engage people so they give more to the business, not out of obligation, but because they’re invested in its success. 

This comes from empathy, vision, respect, and feedback. Leaders include others in decision-making and genuinely value their input.

In my career, the most lasting impact I’ve had is on people, not products or businesses. The people I’ve worked with have endured, and that’s the true measure of leadership.

Training Opportunities in Agriculture

What kind of leadership training can people in agriculture pursue? 

Agriculture offers a wide variety of training opportunities, but often people aren’t aware of them. Initiatives like Agri Leadership Week aim to raise awareness of the many training options available, from the Worshipful Company of Farmers to the Windsor Leadership Trust and Nuffield Farming Scholarships.

We’re not competing but working together to get more people involved. We want diverse candidates from all backgrounds, whether they run a small business on the Isle of Skye or manage a large farm. Everyone can benefit from leadership training.

The Impact of Leadership Training: Beyond Skills

What additional benefits do people gain from attending leadership courses?

It’s not just about the training itself but also the lifelong network you build. People often come out of these courses with a cohort of peers who become close friends and professional contacts, staying in touch for 20 or 30 years. These relationships are crucial for support when challenges arise.

Women in Food and Farming: Christine’s Initiative

Christine, tell us more about your role in founding Women in Food and Farming and its relevance today. 

Women in Food and Farming aims to connect women in the sector, many of whom feel isolated. We try to encourage younger women under 30 to join, often through sponsorships, so they can mix with those of us who have more experience. It’s about offering mentorship and showing them that, although it may feel difficult, there is a way forward.

The goal is to create a network where women can share career advice and personal challenges, and feel supported by others in the industry.

Diversity in Leadership: A Key to the Future

You’ve spoken about the importance of diversity in leadership. Why is this crucial in agriculture today? 

Diversity of thought is essential, and we need to encourage people from all backgrounds to enter our industry. The agricultural sector faces enormous challenges, from climate change to evolving consumer expectations. We need fresh ideas and broader perspectives to navigate these issues.

We also need to work together as an industry. Instead of lobbying the government in fragmented ways, we should present a united front.

We must lead the change from within the sector, rather than waiting for the government to dictate policies.

Influencing the Future of Agriculture

What style of leadership is needed to guide farming into the future?

The future requires a more collaborative and inclusive leadership style. Leaders need to be great influencers, but they also need to listen and adapt based on where people are coming from. 

Understanding diverse perspectives and being willing to change your approach is key.

At Red Tractor, for example, we’ve learned the importance of listening to farmers and adjusting our approach to align with their realities, while still leading the industry forward.

MDS: Shaping the Future Leaders of Agriculture

Can you tell us about your role at MDS and how it contributes to leadership development in agriculture? 

At MDS, we recruit young talent, often straight out of university, and give them the chance to experience four different placements within member businesses over two years.

This includes a leadership and management apprenticeship, which helps them develop a deep understanding of the supply chain and leadership skills.

We have over 100 trainees and 65 member businesses, providing diverse experiences from growing to retailing and engineering. By the end of the programme, our trainees not only know what type of work suits them but are also equipped with leadership skills to excel in their careers.

Join the World’s Most Important Industry

Explore career opportunities in agriculture and discover how you can become a leader in farming. Visit [Agri Careers](https://agri.co.uk/careers).