Kevin Woodcock, 46, has made the move from NFU Clitheroe to Bury to further his career.
Taking control of NFU Bury will be his first senior role after learning his trade under the guidance of respected group secretary Andrew Rothwell, firstly in Ramsbottom from 2003 until 2008, and latterly in Clitheroe from 2008 until today.
Living in Accrington with his 13-year-old son Joseph, Kevin only lives 10 miles away from the office and cannot wait to acquaint himself with his new patch’s 200 strong farmer membership.
The area is predominantly beef, sheep and dairy and Kevin recognises diversification and the replacing of the Basic Payment Scheme as the most pertinent issues for his new members.
He’ll be supported by a well-established team of nine staff members and a new business partner in Carl Abbott who has a solid background in commercial insurance within the Manchester area.
Kevin, who is a trustee of Clitheroe YFC and spent three years as a postman before coming to the NFU, said: “In the immediate short-term I want to bring stability back to Bury. I’m going to spark some life back into our activity and aim to reconnect with our membership. I want to organise farm walks, meetings and interesting events farmers will want to be involved in.
“I’ll also refresh our area’s regional farming ambassadors and will find people to represent Bury regionally within the NFU, by working closely with NFU Lancashire County Adviser Liz Berry.”
• Kevin Woodcock and Andrew Rothwell left NFU Clitheroe on the same day (31 May). In the interim period, queries from Clitheroe members should go directly to the NFU Regional Office on 01695 554900.