Leicestershire farmer Charles Sercombe has been unanimously re-elected chairman of the NFU’s national livestock board. Mr Sercombe, who has 2,000 sheep on 200 acres at Frisby-on-the-Wreake near Melton Mowbray, took over as chairman in 2012.
Andy Foot from Dorset was elected vice chairman of the board replacing Bill Mellor.
“I am delighted to get this overwhelming vote of confidence from the board and look forward to building on the work of the past two years,” said Mr Sercombe. “I would like to thank Bill for everything he has done as vice chairman and look forward to working alongside Andy. The board has a number of new faces and this, together with the more experienced members, means we continue to have a strong mix looking at some of the big issues and challenges that face the livestock industry going forward.
“Beating bovine TB will remain a priority for this board along with continuing to work to put some sense into our current system of livestock movements and TSE controls for sheep. Despite strong demand on global markets, efforts by major retailers to cut their prices will also impact on our beef and sheep farmers and we will work tirelessly to stress the benefits of long term investment in British supply chains to secure the future of our industry.”
Changes to the NFU national livestock board for 2014-2016 include the appointments of James Small, Tanya Robbins and Huw Davies while David Raine has been appointed for a second term.
Meanwhile, Andy Foot was re-elected chairman of the NFU beef group with Surrey farmer Steve Conisbee elected vice chairman. Richard Findlay, a farmer on the North York Moors, was elected NFU sheep group chairman with Phillip Abbot as vice chairman.
