Peter Kendall elected NFU President

Peter Kendall has been elected President of the National Farmers Union of England and Wales.

The result was announced following a vote of council delegates at the NFU Annual Conference in Birmingham.

Following the announcement Mr Kendall said: "Farming is at a pivotal stage in its development needing a strong and clear leadership, representing all sections of a united industry is vital. I am looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Mr Kendall farms 620 hectares of combinable crops in East Bedfordshire, in partnership with his brother Richard. He replaces incumbent Tim Bennett who served as President for two years.

Meurig Raymond was elected Deputy President, he has held the post of vice president for the past two years. Mr Raymond, 53, farms 1,100 hectares in Pembrookshire in partnership with his twin brother. There are 600 dairy cows, with 300 followers. The farm also has 600 head of beef cattle and 2,500 store lambs are fattened. Mr Raymond and his brother also farm 600 hectares of combinable crops and 60 hectares of potatoes.

Paul Temple was elected Vice President. Mr Temple, 44, farms 380 hectares in Yorkshire with a mixture of combinable crops, 500 head of cattle and vining peas.

Outgoing President Tim Bennett wished the new office holder team every success. He also stressed that the NFU is the only organisation capable of representing British farming and that it was critical that all the different sectors and interests in farming united behind the new office holders and farming.