Richard delighted to claim NFU post
A PENKRIDGE next generation farmer has taken over the reins as NFU Staffordshire chairman at a ‘critical juncture’ for agriculture and horticulture, with Brexit looming.
Richard Bower helps run the family business with father, Ray, rearing beef cattle, growing crops and running other farm diversification. The farm is also in higher level environmental stewardship.
At Staffordshire NFU county annual open meeting at the Moat House, Acton Trussell, he was unanimously elected and takes over from out-going chairman Richard Spencer.
The meeting, which took place last week, was attended by around 50 farmers and industry representatives and also welcomed NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts as guest speaker.
Richard Spencer, who is a member of the Uttoxeter and Burton branch, stepped aside to his deputy chairman, after his two year term came to an end.
The change will be made official in February after the NFU Conference and annual general meeting in Birmingham.
Mr Bower said: “I would like to thank Richard Spencer, members and NFU staff for their support during my time as deputy chairman and I know this will continue as I take on the chairmanship, which is a real honour.
“I know that with Brexit there is a lot of uncertainty for our industry but as the bedrock of the country’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, there will be some great opportunities.
“As a younger farmer I will be driving forward the next generation’s views but will support all members from all sectors and am here to help put Staffordshire farming on the map.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to represent my county and fellow farmers as county chairman and it is a huge privilege to be in post during our centenary year.
“Staffordshire NFU looks forward to hosting numerous celebratory events around the county in 2019.”
Until the start of the year Mr Bower had led the union’s next generation policy forum, a 12-strong young farmer group that puts forward the next generation’s views on current policy developments nationally.
He stepped down in February to focus on other NFU duties and continue his role as Staffordshire county deputy chairman.
Mr Spencer, who farms just over the county border, thanked members for their support over two years and said Brexit, high speed rail and many other issues had dominated his term in office.
He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my term in office and wish the younger Richard all the best for his spell in the hot seat.
“To be asked to stand as county chair came as a complete and utter surprise - it had never, absolutely never entered on to my radar. How I have enjoyed it! Our organisation succeeds because of unity; a union.
“We must always remember that, but a unity supported by staff who are in a class on their own, making our industry the envy of many other sectors.
“Thank you to the Staffordshire farming community for accepting me, an outsider from just over the border, as your county chairman.”
NFU Vice President Stuart Roberts covered a wide variety of issues including Brexit, rural crime, farm safety, health and wellbeing in the industry and other topics.
Other industry business was discussed including commodity reports and members also heard from Staffordshire Young Farmers’ Club and rural charity RABI.
At the meeting an award also went to the best county group based on membership targets and service to farmers; this was presented to Karen Atkinson at the Blythe Bridge and Cheadle office.
For further information about the NFU’S lobbying work or to join the union, farmers and growers can contact their local group secretary or Staffordshire NFU county adviser Jeremy Lowe on 01952 400500.