The Dourie team said a sad farewell to Farm Manager, Becca, this week as she heads off to pastures new.

A TRIBUTE

The Dourie team said a sad farewell to Farm Manager, Becca, this week as she heads off to pastures new.

Here is Rory’s tribute to his long-time right hand women. Everyone will miss you Becca. Good luck!

“When Becca sailed into Dourie after ten years in The Royal Navy, she knew literally nothing about dairy farming. She knew she wanted to be involved in farming, but I suspect she imagined it might be a bit like All Creatures Great and Small. Her dad, a potato farmer, thought she was mad.

“I took her on as my assistant, but from the outset she wanted more. I told her it would take five years to serve her apprenticeship and become a farm manager. She told me two. And so it went…

“There were many highs and lows, and plenty of hard graft. Learning from scratch hurts the brain as much as the back. On the 3rd of September 2025, she packed up her house and set off on another journey of discovery.

“After five years, I can genuinely say she has become a particularly able farmer, with an eye for detail that will serve her well—whether farming in her own right or managing for someone else. She brought us discipline and high standards, and helped move us toward the technical excellence we need if we’re to profit in such a challenging industry.

“As with many before her, we wish her luck, and I’m confident the only way for her is up. I’ve always said legacy and how people remember you matters. Becca’s legacy is clear: women in agriculture are every bit as good as men. As the father of two daughters, I thank her for showing my girls—and all other aspiring women—what’s possible with hard work and determination. Our industry can’t do without you.”

Naturally, Becca cannot be replaced but watch this space later in the autumn when we shall introduce our new Farm Manager.