Former NFU Director General Terry Jones honoured with Dairy UK Excellence Award
Terry Jones receiving the Dairy UK Excellence Award from entertainer and impressionist Jon Culshaw. Photograph: Jonny Donovan
Former NFU Director General Terry Jones has been recognised with the Excellence Award at the Dairy UK Annual Dinner for his outstanding service to British agriculture.
The dairy sector celebrated industry veteran Terry Jones at this year’s Dairy UK Annual Dinner in London on 23 September.
Presented annually, the award recognises an individual who has dedicated much of their career to British agriculture and food production. It also recognises exceptional contributions to the sector over more than two decades.
Champion for the dairy industry
For more than 20 years, Terry has been a strong advocate for British agriculture, representing farmers and working closely with government and the wider food supply chain.
During some of the industry’s most challenging periods, including Brexit, the subsequent trade realignment, the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, Terry played a key role in supporting the sector.
Terry Jones at the NFU
- Held a range of senior NFU roles between 2002 and 2011, including Head of Government Affairs, Head of Food Chain and Director of Communications.
- Re-joined the NFU as Director General in April 2016.
- Chaired NFU Commercial Holdings Ltd.
- Stepped down as NFU Director General in April 2026.
“Terry’s leadership, commitment and tireless advocacy for the dairy sector and wider farming industry has left a lasting legacy.”
NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey
‘Richly deserved’ award
Upon winning the award, Terry said: “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award from Dairy UK.
“It was the privilege of my career to hold the role of Director General at the NFU, representing dairy farmers across England and Wales.
“In accepting this award, I want to pay tribute to my fantastic former colleagues at the NFU and also the farmers who give freely of their time to represent their peers with government and the wider industry.”
NFU Dairy Board Chair Ian Harvey congratulated Terry on the achievement. He said: “This award is richly deserved and recognises a lifetime of dedication to British agriculture.
“Terry’s leadership, commitment and tireless advocacy for the dairy sector and wider farming industry has left a lasting legacy.
“On behalf of dairy farmers across England and Wales, I congratulate Terry on this outstanding achievement.”
Recognised across the supply chain
Chief Executive of Dairy UK Dr Judith Bryans said: “Terry is someone who embodies the spirit of collaboration and for many years has brought people all across the supply chain together.
“His ability to navigate difficult waters in a politically astute and resourceful way has been such an asset to UK agriculture.
“It’s been our pleasure at Dairy UK to work with Terry over the past two decades, and he’s a worthy winner of this year’s award.”
The award was presented by impressionist and entertainer Jon Culshaw during the Dairy UK Dinner, which brought together industry leaders, farmers, processors, retailers and stakeholders from across the dairy supply chain.
