WOMAN TAKES TOP FARM JOB
Minnette Batters makes history as head of NFU
MINETTE BATTERS has been elected as the new president of the National Farmers’ Union in a landmark election for the industry group.
The appointment of Ms Batters is the first time in the union’s 110-year history that a woman has been named as its most senior office holder.
Wiltshire-based beef farmer Ms Batters steps up from her previous position as deputy president to replace Meurig Raymond as president on a twoyear term.
Welsh farmer Mr Raymond stepped down prior to yesterday’s election at the NFU’s annual general meeting after serving for 14 years as a national office holder for the union.
Having won the ballot for the top job, Ms Batters told of her delight, saying she was grateful to NFU members who had given her the chance to lead the industry through Brexit and beyond.
She said: “British farming is in the spotlight like never before and this is a great opportunity to reposition the sector in the eyes of the nation.”
Since 1998, Ms Batters has built up her own diverse farming business from scratch. She specialises in pedigree Hereford cattle and Simmental cross suckler cows, and sells premium store cattle.
She also runs a horse livery, a wedding and corporate events venue and a catering business.
Well-known within the industry, she co-founded the ‘Ladies in Beef ’ and the ‘Great British Beef Week’ campaigns.
The NFU’s other senior positions have been filled by Essex farmer Guy Smith, who was elected deputy president, and Hertfordshire and Kent farmer Stuart Roberts who became the new vice president.
Ms Batters said: “I look forward to sharing our new vision for farming at the earliest opportunity.”
British farming is in the spotlight like never before. Minette Batters, the new president of the National Farmers’ Union