David, who was born and raised on his family farm in the Cotswolds, farms a beef suckler herd and cereals using the two businesses to support each other and provide sustainable produce. He also has a very small flock of pedigree poll Dorset sheep.
This will be David’s second term as chair after previously serving as vice-chair.
He said: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected for another two years. The last two years have flown by, and we have done an awful lot as a board and I’m looking forward to continuing that and getting stuck in.
“The outlook for the livestock sector itself is positive. We are being listened to and we will make our case strongly to government.”
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton
“We have a great sustainable product which is required not just in the UK but globally and there’s no good reason why we should see our prices slip. So, the outlook for the livestock sector itself is positive.
“It’s just the issues like the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and all the various consultations such as the animal welfare strategy – but that’s something we’re working hard on. But we are being listened to which is important and we will make our case strongly to government.”
Shaping the future
Clare Wise, a mixed farmer from County Durham, has been elected as vice-chair.
Having previously worked within the food chain, Clare now runs her fifth-generation family farm.
“I am absolutely delighted to have been elected. It’s one of the most exciting times we’ve ever had in the livestock sector and to be part of the team helping to shape the future on behalf of our members is fantastic.
“I have spent two years on the livestock board already and I’m so humbled by my colleagues who have the expertise and the ability to deliver real meaningful change. I am extremely lucky to be now part of the leadership team driving that forward.
“The main priority for us is to listen to the membership and then ensure government is listening just as loudly so the livestock industry continues on a secure footing here in the UK and globally.”
