Michael Oakes, Dairy Board Chair, National Farmers’ Union

A tenant farmer on the southern outskirts of Birmingham, Michael milks a closed herd of 180 pedigree Holsteins. Milk is sold to Arla, with surplus heifers sold at calving.

Michael has held various roles within the NFU, as Worcestershire County Chairman, West Midlands Regional Board Chairman and Council Delegate. Michael has been on the National Dairy Board for 8 years, two as Vice Chairman and two as Chairman. He has been re-elected to serve a second term as Chair in March 2019.  

Michael believes strongly in farmer collaboration, as well as improving the mechanics of the supply chain and is keen to improve relationships between farmers, processors and end users, whilst continuing to build consumer support for the industry.