West Sussex farmers’ success at union’s annual conference Farmer elected vice-president as another is given an award
A West Sussex farmer has been elected as the National Farmers’ Union’s vice-president at a conference which saw another of the county’s farmers given an award.
David Exwood, of Westons Farm, Itchingfield, said he was ‘incredibly proud and grateful’ to represent Britain’s farmers after his election at the NFU’s annual conference in Birmingham last Tuesday (February 22).
He joins re-elected president Minette Batters and deputy president Tom Bradshaw at the head of the union.
He said: “For me, the next two years are about creating new opportunities for profitable food production alongside net zero and biodiversity enhancement.
“I look forward to working with Minette and Tom to help steer the sector through changes to domestic farming policy and grasp the opportunities that come our way.”
Meanwhile, a West Sussex farmer with a passion for helping his industry and promoting agriculture has been honoured with an NFU award.
Tim Lock, of Bury, was presented with a regional Me u rig
Raymond Award – an award named after the NFU’s former president – for his services to agriculture.
Mr Lock was a long-standing member of the NFU’s national dairy board, as an appointee, between 2018 and 2020.
An NFU South East spokesman said: “He played a key role in developing the NFU’s lobbying strategy that later saw the trade association successfully press government for there form of milk contracts.
“During this time, Mr Lock liaised with fellow dairy farmers who valued his input and ability to find solutions.”
Mr Lock has also represented local farmers’ interests as a trustee of A run and R other Rivers Trust from 2011 until 2016, and has worked closely with th eR S PB on wader conservation.
In addition, Mr Lock takes a keen interest in education.
The spokesman said :“Back in 2006 and 2007, with fellow NFU member Caroline Harriott, Tim used to help arrange an annual HGCA Farmhouse Breakfast event at Bury School, near Pulborough, that was sponsored by NFU South East.
“He feels strongly that children should know where their food comes from and all the breakfast products served were local.”