David Shove and Hedley Roberts joined NFU in Skelmersdale in 1994.
David, who is originally from Somerset, studied Farming and Estate Management at Seale-Hayne College in Devon. He now lives in Scarisbrick and is the secretary of Croft Discussion Group.
Hedley grew up on his family farm in Shropshire and studied Economics at the University of Manchester. His father suggested he apply for a role at the NFU Wem office. The NFU then approached him about a role in Skelmersdale. He now lives in Parbold and is the treasurer for the Liverpool Agriculture Discussion Society.
They joined then-Group Secretary John Graves and enjoyed a strong 24-year partnership before John’s retirement in 2018. Since then, Rachel Austin and Mark Cope have joined the Skelmersdale team.
Part of the farming community and fabric
Both David and Hedley say that their favourite part of the job is meeting and getting to know members.
David said: “It was a cultural change moving North as a Somerset lad, but Lancashire folk are genuine people – you do become part of the community and you get to know a lot about what goes on locally. Having done it for so long in one area you get to see generations of people running the business which is great to see. We’ve had some challenges in that time too, farming has changed.”
Hedley added: “Members become friends. I’m now dealing with the second and third generation of the members I dealt with in 1994 which is nice. It’s quite enjoyable being part of the farming community and fabric, having been here for 30 years.”
NFU North would also like to congratulate Greg Proll from Stokesley who marked 30 years in January and Rob Hicks in Ryedale who achieved the milestone in April.