Beth Austermuhle, UK Environment Sustainability and Governance Manager

Tell us a little about your role? How long have you been with ForFarmers?

I have worked at ForFarmers for 12 years and held various roles over that time from a Commercial Nutritionist in the Homemix team with Pigs and Poultry, through to latterly heading up the Pig, Poultry and Leisure Technical team. Since April I have taken up the exciting role of Environment, Sustainability and Governance Manager for the UK which is a new position for the business.

Why did you join ForFarmers?

I joined ForFarmers when it was originally BOCM PAULS, at the time I was a year out of university and had spent the first year at a family run feed mill. I joined the company as I liked the fact that it was a national business with a variety of roles and job progression opportunities.

Working at ForFarmers as UK Environment Sustainability & Governance Manager, tell us about a typical day at work?

There is no ‘typical day,’ much of my time has been spent learning more about the job and taking time to understand how to support the business in this area and align our goals. Working on how we can progress sustainability in the business and increase engagement, my position also sees me work with the wider industry through the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) on industry challenges.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

The favourite part of my job is the breadth that it covers with all species. Sustainability is a particularly important part of the business and how we are going to tackle important issues in our supply chain and the wider environment, is exciting.

What are you currently focussing on in the business at the moment?

Aligning what our UK business targets are for sustainability, around Scope 1,2 & 3 emissions, I am also working on our sustainability priorities across the varied species/business areas that we trade in. Another key area I am focusing on is pulling together an engagement communications plan on sustainability for internal and external stakeholders.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

To ‘Paddle your own canoe.’ I have used this both in the context of my area of influence during my different roles in the business, as well as my own personal development and career progression.

What or who inspires you?

Currently I would say female professional athletes who have children and then go back into competition at the top level whilst juggling training, families, and competition.

Outside of work, you like to…

Spend time outdoors with my husband and two border collies, either on long walks with the dogs where we do canicross events with the youngest and train for agility. I also enjoy cycling both on my road bike and mountain bike.

Who would you like to swap places with for the day?

Probably a professional downhill mountain biker or mountain bike cross country athlete. I would love to feel and be able to comprehend how fast they go!

Favourite holiday destination?

The Alps. It doesn’t matter if it is the Swiss, Italian or French Alps I just love the mountains in any season. It is one of the most under rated summer holidays destinations if you are not just looking for a beach.