New NFU Herefordshire County Adviser starts role

15 January 2026

New Herefordshire NFU County Adviser Catherine Hinds

Herefordshire NFU members have a new point of contact for farming issues with the arrival of Catherine Hinds as the new County Adviser.

Catherine joined the NFU Midlands team this month and takes on the position vacated by Ali Parker, who moved to pastures new in early January.

And she is keen to hit the ground running in this crucial county role.

"I am absolutely delighted to join the NFU as a County Adviser," she said.

"I feel really lucky to be given the opportunity to join the NFU and be able to campaign on some of the issues I feel most strongly about - such as food security, improving rural connectivity, and combating environmental challenges."

"Through my work I want to encourage debate and participation at the grassroots, and to help translate that dialogue into clear policy ideas that we can take to local stakeholders."

"I have always been passionate about rural affairs, and I understand what a pivotal time this is for the farming industry.”

Catherine Hinds

"I’m here to listen, to help and to support. I want members to know that I am always approachable and I’m keen to engage in any way I can."

Maintaining engagement

"I am aware that Herefordshire was one of the most active counties in lobbying our MPs during the IHT campaign and I want to maintain this level of engagement ahead of the upcoming challenges the industry will face," she said.

"I am keen to get out in the county and chat to members so that I can better understand their concerns for farming in Herefordshire.

"I have been fortunate to have already been to two very well attended members events in my first week and look forward to more opportunities to meet to local membership."

Away from the day job

Married mum-of-two Catherine studied British politics at the University of Hull and spent ten years working in parliamentary affairs, both in Westminster and, for the last eight, as a senior parliamentary caseworker in North Herefordshire.

"I live with my husband, three-year-old son, one-year-old daughter and a very bouncy cocker spaniel who keeps us all on our toes," she said.

"When I’m not working, I’m keen to get out and about with my family. We enjoy long muddy walks, gardening and baking.

"As a family we are also big foodies and my husband has just built an outdoor kitchen for his new love - his ceramic BBQ - so most weekends you’ll find us cooking up a nice joint of local meat to share with friends and family."


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