The fourth-generation farmer, based near Clehonger to the south-west of Hereford, took over from Martin Williams after his two-year term came to an end.
Will farms arable crops, potatoes and broiler chickens, with the family poised to celebrate its 100th year at its Arkstone Court base in 2027.
Returning home after attending agricultural college, he put his stamp on the business by applying for a broiler site, which was eventually built in 2013 and then expanded three years later. He and his dad, John, run the arable side together.
Behind the scenes
Speaking about his motivation to put his hand up for the county chair position, Will cited having an influence on policy and politics as the key factors.
“I have always been interested in that side of things and, as the years went by, there was frustration with policy being forced on farmers, so I always wanted to know what the process was and what the NFU did to try to mitigate some of the worst elements of that,” he said.
Despite all of the responsibilities that come with having a young family and helping to run a busy farm business, Will was persuaded to put himself forward for the role by erstwhile Herefordshire County Adviser Ali Parker, who was keen to see him become more involved with the NFU.
“We hosted the Young Farmers’ Club Rally here nearly three years ago and Ali asked if I would be interested in becoming vice-chair, which I did, and I found that a good learning experience in terms of finding out more about how the NFU operates,” he said.
Turning to the initial county priorities of his term, and separate from overarching national issues, Will said farm assurance, rivers and bovine tubercolosis are under the spotlight.
“You hear concerns about Red Tractor from members, as well as bTB being a major worry round here,” he said.
“In Hereforshire, one of the biggest sticks to beat farmers with is the condition of the River Wye and there’s concerns of moving from an NVZ to a PVZ and whether we’ll be in special measures for water – there’s always a lot going on.”
Predecessor praise
He also praised his predecessor for the work he performed as county chair.
“I’ve known Martin for a long time and have always got on well with him,” he said.
“He’s always got an interesting viewpoint which is worth listening to and is a big character who connects with people. The things he has achieved are remarkable.
“I’m a different person and will approach the role in my own way. My focus for the role will be to reflect the concerns of members in Herefordshire.”