The NFU’s Next Generation Dairy Board has elected Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Roger Lewis as its chairman.
Previously the vice-chairman, Roger farms in partnership with his parents and manages the Poyerston herd of 225 autumn calving Holsteins, producing 2 million litres of milk annually. He is also the NFU’s Pembrokeshire Milk Committee chairman. He said: “I am delighted to be voted in and thank Rob Harrison for his excellent chairmanship during our first year. Having spent 12 months learning about the NFU’s work in Stoneleigh, London and Brussels and getting to grips with the policy issues we are now ready to tackle the skills, training and succession agenda and work alongside the national dairy board.
“Skills development and the recognition of training is essential for a successful, sustainable dairy industry and it’s our place as the next generation to lead on this issue. Most farmers are probably unaware of the amount training they’ve undertaken in the last twelve months – be it DairyCo events, discussion groups or farm visits. We’ve recognised this gap and are now working with DairyCo and Lantra on plans to create a better structure for skills recognition in the dairy sector.”
Ian Pye from Garstang, Preston has been elected vice-chairman. NFUonline blogger Ian runs a visitor attraction in Old Holly Farm alongside managing an organic dairy farm. He said: “My area of interest is welfare. As a board we are supporting the development of the Dairy Cow Welfare Strategy and want to work on educating consumers and promoting what we do best – caring for our cows.”
No comments have been made.