Episode 68: Amelia Lawrence - Dreams to Dairy
Amelia Lawrence is a mum, a vet and a first generation dairy farmer, and this conversation gives us a fascinating insight into what it really takes to build a farming business from the ground up.
Growing up in Ayr with no farming background, Amelia first found agriculture through gaining experience on a family farm while pursuing her ambition to become a vet. That experience sparked a love for farming which stayed with her throughout university and her veterinary career. Fast forward several years and a slightly flippant conversation with her husband Merlin about a farm coming up for rent turned into years of planning, saving, business plans and hard work to make their dream of becoming dairy farmers a reality.
We hear about the support that helped Amelia and Merlin get started, from the Let's Farm Foundation and Oxbury Bank to their mentor Sophie Gregory and the wider network of people who have supported them along the way. Amelia shares honestly what those first 18 months have looked like, from taking on the tenancy and preparing for the arrival of their herd from Ireland to dealing with TB testing, cattle health challenges and a hugely difficult milk market. It is a story of resilience, learning as you go and trying to stay positive when the reality is tougher than you could have imagined.
There is also plenty of insight into the practical side of building an efficient dairy business, including changes to the parlour which have saved around three hours a day. Amelia talks about the different perspectives she brings as both a vet and a farmer, the importance of soil health, breeding for strong and resilient cows and her hopes for the future of the herd.
Alongside the farming story, we talk about motherhood, balancing life as a vet with running a young dairy business and the importance of having the right people around you. Amelia also shares her desire to open the farm up to more people, helping communities understand where their food comes from and creating opportunities for people who might never otherwise see a pathway into agriculture.
For anyone considering becoming a new entrant, Amelia's advice is simple but powerful: get involved, know your figures, build relationships, ask questions and don't necessarily wait until you feel completely ready. Sometimes you just have to go for it, learn along the way and get yourself out there.
This is a really honest conversation about ambition, opportunity, resilience and what it means to build something of your own. We are looking forward to following Amelia and Merlin's farming journey as their herd, family and business continue to grow.
The Award Winning Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.
Connect with Amelia on social media : Instagram - @makingamooofit \\\\ TikTok: @makingamooofit
Episode Recorded on 18th September 2026.
All views expressed are our own.
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