TWO key NFU appointments have taken up their posts this month just as the industry holds its breath, waiting for Theresa May to trigger Article 50.

Dairy farmer Hugh Richardson, of Wheelbirks Farm, near Stocksfield, was anointed Northumberland county chairman, which comes with a two-year term of office, at the NFU annual conference.

And Jane Dungait, whose family farms near Morpeth, has joined the regional team of staff as the new county adviser for Northumberland and North Durham.

Hugh Richardson’s family are renowned for the business built off the back of their 120-strong herd of pedigree jersey cows.

Of the 700,000 plus litres of milk they produce each year, 22,000 litres are sold unpasteurised and a further 10,000 litres turned into luxury ice cream, some of which is sold in the successful ice-cream parlour they opened on the farm itself.

They also manage 100 acres of commercial woodland.

With Brexit presenting the biggest challenge imaginable, he said, the NFU team was now focused on achieving the best possible outcome for farmers nationwide.

“With 67 per cent of our region’s area managed by farmers, and more than 40,000 people directly employed in the industry locally, agriculture and horticulture are very important sectors for our regional economy.

“A new report commissioned by the NFU demonstrates that for every £1 invested in the industry by Government, farmers deliver £7.40 back to the economy and society.”

The aim was to gain the best possible access to the European single market, as well as the opportunity to export into new markets; continued access to a competent and reliable workforce and the institution of a new domestic agricultural policy that would allow British agriculture to thrive and remain competitive.

Jane Dungait is a Harper Adams University graduate and a qualified rural surveyor. As such, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new role – she is familiar with the key issues currently facing North-East farmers and knows many NFU members across her new patch.

Since graduation, she has worked for Buccleuch Estates in the Scottish Borders, for Smiths Gore in Berwick and, most recently, for the National Trust across Northumberland.

The NFU says her appointment will therefore strengthen its regional expertise in tenancy issues, a valuable asset in an area with such a large number of tenant farmers.

She will be based in the office at Kirkley Hall, near Ponteland.

“It’s great to be joining at such a pivotal time politically,” said Jane.

“I know we will have our work cut out representing our members as Brexit negotiations get under way, but this is a challenge we will relish.

“As well as focusing on meeting as many members as possible to canvas their views, I am also keen to develop links across the supply chain to ensure we have the best chance of presenting a united front when it comes to promoting British food and farming, both to the public and Government.”