The NFU has congratulated former chair of the NFU Dairy Board, Michael Oakes, winner of the judge's award for outstanding contribution to farming at the Cream awards.
NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins said: “Michael has been a long-term advocate for the industry, working tirelessly to improve trust and cooperation across the supply chain and ensure the dairy sector has a strong, resilient future.
A great support to many dairy farmers
“In particular, Michael has always gone above and beyond in his efforts to support dairy producers across the UK who reach out to him personally, some in quite desperate situations, while advocating for charities such as the RABI and the FCN.
“I can’t think of any individual more worthy of this award. Michael has given so much to the dairy industry, it’s time he got something back.”
NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader
“I've had the pleasure of working with Michael throughout his tenure as national Dairy Board chair and have seen him give up much of his personal time to help individuals who don’t feel they have anywhere else to turn.
“This work is often unrecognised, and certainty unpaid, and comes at some considerable personal emotional expense.”
Michael held various roles during his tenure with the NFU. He served as Worcestershire county chair, West Midlands regional board chair and council delegate. At a national level, Michael sat on the NFU Dairy Board for nearly 14 years; two as vice chair and almost eight as chair.
“Michael has been a long-term advocate for the industry, working tirelessly to improve trust and cooperation across the supply chain and ensure the dairy sector has a strong, resilient future.”
NFU Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins
A driving force for regulatory change
NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader sat on the national dairy board with Michael. She commented: “I can’t think of any individual more worthy of this award. Michael has given so much to the dairy industry, it’s time he got something back.
“Michael has served as NFU Dairy Board chair for a total of eight years and done an incredible service for the industry.
“His crowning glory is without a doubt seeing the regulation of dairy contracts over the line. The work that has gone into this, dreamt up in 2016 has been incredible and dairy farmers everywhere owe Michael a lot for being one of the key driving forces.
“He has done many other things, guiding the Dairy Roadmap, and always very conscious of diversity.
“He gave board members opportunities and helped them develop. His phone was never off, while he still ran a business at home. During Covid he fought for support funding, he assisted during the demise of numerous processors, helped with Open Farm Sunday events, supported WeAreAgRespect events and did his bit raising awareness of mental health.
“Michael never misses an opportunity to celebrate others’ successes, always viewing any win as a team accomplishment.”
More from NFUonline:
