An early pioneer of farming education, Lancashire farmer Johnny Ball sadly passed away on Christmas Eve at the age of 71.
Known and loved the length and breadth of the country, Johnny spent 16 years of his life promoting food and farming to millions of children and adults alike as the NFU’s Let’s Talk Farming Roadshow presenter.
A character in every sense of the word, Johnny was a larger than life personality whose enthusiasm and energy brought farming to the masses.
Year after year he’d travel thousands of miles attending county agricultural shows and schools to promote the industry.
As happy with a prince as he was a pauper, Johnny was an extrovert who was passionate about the industry and would always put himself forward for media work, becoming a bit of a local farming celebrity!
He loved talking farming with whoever turned up on the roadshow – including members of the Royal family, Prime Ministers, ‘A’ list celebrities and sports stars.
Before hitting the road with the NFU's Let’s Talk Farming Roadshow, Johnny farmed as a tenant on Lord Derby's estate in Merseyside.
Following on from his father, Johnny farmed 80 acres of mainly arable land, growing potatoes and vegetables.
He then progressed into beef production, operating a mixed farm until taking a job with the NFU.
Popular with the NFU members and officeholders he’d often work alongside, Johnny could charm an audience with his wit, poems and jokes.
Although jovial in his delivery, his messages were serious ones which resonated with audiences.
He was at the vanguard of promoting Red Tractor, fielded many questions about animal welfare and always raised funds for RABI.
Johnny retired from the NFU in 2016 and returned to his tenanted Moss Nook Farm in Rainford near to St Helens.
He leaves son John and daughter Suzy and two granddaughters - Olivia and Bethany.
At the time of writing no funeral arrangements had been made, but anyone wishing to send condolence cards to the family can do so. The address to send cards to is:
Moss Nook Farm
Rainford
St Helens
Merseyside
WA11 8AG