Congratulations to our Chief Steward!
Stuart Roberts, who farms at Hammonds End Farm near Harpenden, was elected yesterday (Wednesday), after the NFU’s two-day annual conference in Birmingham. He joins President Minette Batters and Vice President Tom Bradshaw in the new officeholder team, having served as Vice President for the past two years.
He is a third generation arable and livestock farmer, who has also worked for Defra and the Food Standards Agency and held senior management roles within the meat supply chain.
Stuart said: “I would like to thank all the members who have given me their support as Vice President over the past two years. I have seen first-hand the incredible work the NFU does on their behalf and I’m excited to build on this further as Deputy President.
“British farming is facing a great many changes and challenges, from trade and standards to water management. It is important we demonstrate that British agriculture can be part of the solution to these issues and I look forward to working with Minette and Tom as we work towards creating a productive and profitable future for our members.”
Stuart farms 400 hectares in Hertfordshire and Kent in partnership with his wife Emma and father Howard.
The farm incorporates around 300 hectares of combinable crops supplying grain to more than 50 artisan mills and bakers throughout the UK. The remaining land is predominately permanent pasture and a small amount of woodland. The farm includes two cattle herds and a small flock of laying hens.
Stuart previously served as Hertfordshire NFU County Chairman from 2015 to 2018. Yesterday’s election took place after the AGM of the NFU Council, a representative body made up of its elected members, following the NFU’s annual Conference.