Megan Hudson is the new county adviser for Cambridgeshire, succeeding Rory Kerr, while Jessica Malings is the new county adviser for Hertfordshire, taking over from Freya Samuel-Smith.
And in the south of the region, Paul Williams has joined as assistant county adviser, providing additional support for members in Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex.
National recognition for Fenland Soil work
Megan is originally from Spalding, Lincolnshire but spent much of her childhood on her family’s tenant farm at Newborough, in Cambridgeshire.
Before joining the NFU, she helped establish and lead Fenland SOIL, a farmer-led organisation tackling the challenges associated with peat and agriculture in the Fens. Her work earned national recognition when she received a National Women in Agriculture Award in 2025.
Later, she worked for Oxwillow, the agri-environment consultancy arm of a family farming business near Ely.
Megan said: “In my previous roles, the part of my work I loved the most was supporting farmers and advocating for the industry, so it’s fantastic to have the opportunity to continue doing that.
“I spent much of my childhood on my grandparents’ farm in Cambridgeshire, so it’s a very special area for me. I’m looking forward to working on behalf of members across the county in this new role.”
Outside of work, she is a keen Leicester Tigers supporter and long-distance runner, having completed the Manchester Marathon in 2026 for charity.
More than a decade of experience
New Hertfordshire County Adviser Jessica Malings brings with her more than a decade of experience across rural surveying, farm consultancy and estate management.
Jessica is a Fellow of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers and a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Most recently, she worked as a senior farm consultant at Bidwells in Cambridge, supporting farming businesses with financial management, environmental schemes, contract farming agreements and wider estate management.
“I’m keen to ensure the farming voice is heard and respected,” she said.
“I look forward to using my broad experience to support farmers, champion our industry and inspire the next generation to get involved in agriculture so they really understand the importance of our hardworking farming sector.”
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys playing hockey and horse-riding. She has a long-standing interest in supporting and teaching younger people, whether it is in sports or farming.
Working in rural policing
Paul Williams joins the NFU from Kent Police, retiring after a 23 year career that included 13 years in specialised rural policing teams.
During this time, he worked closely with rural communities, targeting criminals who cause harm to the countryside, in particular plant theft, poaching and hare coursing.
His role involved building trusted relationships with farmers and rural stakeholders, listening to their concerns, and acting on the information they shared to protect livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.
Paul’s love for farming began in childhood, growing up on a market garden farm in Kent. From a young age he learned the realities and pressures of farming, and always felt privileged to have experiences that many of his schoolmates didn’t.
“Growing up on a market garden farm gave me a deep appreciation for the realities of farming, and that passion has stayed with me ever since,” he said.
“After many years working with rural communities in policing, I’m excited to bring that experience to the NFU and support members across Kent, Sussex and Surrey.”