A young woman who manages a Huntly pig unit is in the shortlist for two major industry awards
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A KEITH woman who manages a 1140 indoor sow unit near Gartly is one of the finalists in the British Farming Awards 2021.
Chloe Shorten (22) works for J C Innes and Son and is a finalist in the farm worker category.
Ms Shorten has worked with pigs for around five years and aged just 21 was offered manager position to oversee the daily running of the business, which spans 1600 hectares.
Ms Shorten who is also studying for a degree in agriculture describes herself as passionate about pigs.
She said: "I absolutely love pigs. I am dedicated to the job and very particular about the way the job is done to ensure the highest of welfare standards.
"I am not from a farming background and have got to where I am through pure determination to succeed in this industry especially being female and young.
"I am very keen to get the younger generation into the pig industry by promoting it, which I do through my TikTok (@thatswinelass) videos where I have over 15,000 followers and 7.1million views.
"I am over the moon and ecstatic to become a finalist as I feel I can represent my industry which isn't spoken about much and prove how challenging and thrilling it is and the joys you get from caring for all the pigs young and old."
Judges were impressed by the submission from Ms Shorten's employers who have identified her aim to to make the business thrive be an advocate for pig farming. She regualrly works to educate others about the industry and combat the negative backlash experienced by pig farmers.
Ms Shorten is part of the farm team changing the breed of pig which has proved challenging in areas of fertility and disease. She has researched the problems to find creative solutions.
Judges said: " It is very clear to see her contributions to this farming enterprise and the rewards which they have subsequently. She cares about her job, the animals, her employers and is a credit to the sector."
Ms Shorten is looking froward to meeting like minded individuals when she goes to the awards night in Birmingham
Ms Shoten is also a finalist in the National Pig Awards in the Young Pig Farmer of the Year category.
She said: "I was so happy to hear about this one too as its industry focussed. I am grateful to be recognised as a successful candidate when there is so much competition.
"It shows where commitment and dedication for something you love can lead you. If it hadn't for my current employer, James Innes, who had faith in me I would never have been given this chance.
"He supports me in all my challenges at work and gives me lots of opportunites to grow in this intriguing industry.
"I also am grateful to my previous employer who set me on the right path and put his passion of pigs into knowledge and passed it onto me."
