New county leaders for NFU

Mar 7 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

AN arable farmer from Sunderland and an upland livestock farmer from Weardale have taken up the reins as the NFU’s new county chairman and county vice-chairman for North Riding and Durham.

Allan Coxon, chairman, and John Oulton, vice-chairman, take up their new posts after being elected at the NFU’s AGM held in London last month. Mr Coxon is the third generation of his family to farm the “five hills” that make up his arable farm situated just minutes from Sunderland city centre. A life-long member of the NFU, Allan has been chairman of his Chester-le-Street, Sunderland and South Shields branch.

He has been a member of the regional combinable crops board since its inception in 2004.

He said: “2008 looks like being a very challenging year for the industry with animal health and welfare at the top of the agenda.

“Coming into the job in the NFU’s centenary year, I’m keen to make progress in three key areas: membership, communications and the environment. First things first, we need to increase membership and get more younger farmers actively involved.”

Frosterley farmer John Oulton hails originally from Derbyshire but moved to Weardale in 2001 when FMD was at its height.

Mr Oulton said: “Only by being proactive will we avoid a repeat of the current situation where it’s nearly impossible to make a profit from beef or sheep without subsidies. ”