This will be David’s first term as chair after previously serving as vice chair.
David was born and raised on his family farm in the Cotswolds where he farms a beef suckler herd and cereals, using the two businesses to support each other and provide sustainable produce. He also has a very small flock of pedigree poll Dorset sheep.
He has previously stood as the NFU South West Livestock Board chair and has worked with AHDB as a strategic farm to improve profitability and efficiency.
He will be supported by Leicestershire first generation beef and sheep farmer, Oli Lee, who has been elected as vice chair.
Following his new appointment, David said he was “delighted to be elected to represent the NFU’s national Livestock Board at a time of such change for the sector”.
“The key issue for our sector going forward has to be sustainability.
“The British red meat industry has a great story to tell and we produce some of the best produce in the world, but we need a benchmark to track our carbon footprint and show our value to the public. We also need to ensure that the developing ELM schemes work for all grassland farmers including those in the uplands.
“I’d like to thank Richard Findlay for his many years of hard work as chair of the livestock board, I hope to pick up where he’s left off and help drive our sector forward into the future.
“There’s a lot to deliver for farmers on the ground and I look forward to working with Oli to raise the profile of the board and to provide certainty for our members in the years ahead.”
“There’s a lot to deliver for farmers on the ground and I look forward to working with Oli to raise the profile of the board and to provide certainty for our members in the years ahead.”
NFU Livestock Board chair David Barton
Tools to build back profitability
NFU Livestock Board vice chair Oli Lee speaking at NFU Conference
NFU livestock board vice chair Oli Lee said: “We have a fantastic red meat sector in the UK with a lot to be optimistic about and I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to support David, the board and livestock members over the next two years.
“A priority for me is ensuring that we have the tools to build profitability back into our farm businesses which will support our efficiency and the environmental benefits beef and sheep provide to the landscapes we care for.”
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