Sophie will join the NFU from Myton Food Group where she has been Senior Director since 2023. She brings with her experience in manufacturing, processing and retail, and has previously held the role of Head of Agriculture at Morrisons.
Her experience in the food supply chain is preceded by a decade in the veterinary sector and time in non-executive and advisory roles, including with Defra as part of the Trade and Agriculture Commission’s development.
Coming from a mixed farm which produces milk, arable crops and free-range eggs, Sophie has a passion for farming.
“I’d like to welcome Sophie to the NFU and we are delighted with her appointment at this pivotal time for the farming industry.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
She lives on her farm with her husband and three children, two of whom work on the farm and one who is studying for a degree apprenticeship at Morrisons.
In recent years, she led in setting up the ‘School of Sustainable Food and Farming’ at Harper Adams University with Morrisons, the NFU and McDonalds, which helps shape research, training and innovative support to boost sustainable farming.
Strength in unity
Sophie said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the NFU and take this great organisation forward with energy, commitment and a clear vision for its future.
“With our family farming back home in Yorkshire, my roots have always been in agriculture, and I know how important this period of change is for the sector. I am a great believer of strength in unity, something the NFU has at its core, and I’m looking forward to working with and listening to our members to help make a positive difference for farming in England and Wales.”
Sophie also spent 10 years in the veterinary sector, running research and training programmes.
Throughout her career, Sophie has also been:
- A non-exec director for Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor)
- A steering committee member for the FIIA (Food Industry Initiative on Antimicrobials)
- Part of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway sub-group focusing on legislation.
‘Wealth of experience’
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “I’d like to welcome Sophie to the NFU and we are delighted with her appointment at this pivotal time for the farming industry. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the commercial and animal health sectors alongside a clear passion for farming and food production. I look forward to working with her to deliver a thriving, vibrant NFU that creates opportunities for our members.
“I’d also like to thank Terry Jones for his dedication to the NFU and its members over the past 10 years, and for leading the NFU through one of the most challenging periods for the sector.”
Sophie will be starting in the role on Tuesday 5 May 2026.