James MacLeod

NFU Next Generation representative, West Midlands

Although from a non-farming background, James has had a passion for agriculture and the countryside since an early age. This led him to the Royal Agricultural University where he studied (BSc) Agriculture.

Since July 2018 James has been working in Herefordshire as an Assistant Farm Manager. They farm 970 hectares (2400 acres), which incorporates 810 hectares of combinable crops, 70 hectares of processing potatoes for McCain Foods and 53 hectares of cider orchards for both H. Weston & Sons Ltd and Thatchers Cider Company Ltd. As of December 2017, the business has also been running a new-build 4-Shed, 180,000-bird broiler unit rearing chickens for Avara Foods. The broiler unit is fully integrated into the existing farming business, with the litter used as fertiliser under the combinable crops.

James' involvement with the NFU began in 2019, when he was selected for the Student & Young Farmer Ambassador programme. James describes this as “a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the work the NFU undertakes, attend events such as the Lord Mayors Show in London and meet many people involved within the industry”.

In being part of the NFU Next Generation Forum, James hopes to gain a greater understanding of the many policies involved within the industry, particularly those directly affecting farm level and to have a voice in future decision making.

He would also like to use his time in the role to create and be involved with a Next Generation Herefordshire and West Midlands/ Midlands group.