Iona Smith is a woman who brings passion, purpose and people together and this conversation captures exactly why she has become such a respected voice within Scottish agriculture. From growing up on a pedigree beef and sheep farm on the west coast to carving out her own path within the industry this episode is full of honesty, drive and pride in where she comes from.
We explore Iona’s journey through education, work and leadership from relief milking and showing cattle to rural surveying and her current role with Monitor Farm Scotland. She shares what it means to work for farmers to give back to the wider industry and to balance ambition with staying connected to the land and people that shaped her.
As the youngest ever chair of Women in Agriculture Scotland Iona reflects on confidence, community and the importance of opening doors for others. From international experiences representing the UK at the World Hereford Conference in Kansas to the realities of building a pedigree herd alongside a busy career, this is a conversation about backing yourself, finding your place and understanding that success does not have to follow a straight line. A powerful way to close the year and one that looks firmly towards the future.
The 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 Iona on social media : Instagram - @ionasmith_x \\ LinkedIn - Iona Smith \\ Facebook - Iona Smith
Episode Recorded on Thursday 18th December 2025.
All views expressed are our own.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
