NFU Cymru Council elects New President and Deputy

Stephen James, a dairy farmer from Pembrokeshire, has been elected to become the President of NFU Cymru and John Davies, a beef and sheep farmer from Powys, has been elected to serve as the Deputy President for the next two years.

Stephen James in his thank you speech for being elected un-opposed paid tribute to the hard work the retiring President, Ed Bailey, had done during his four years in the job. Stephen said, “It has been a privilege and an honour to work with you as your Deputy President and I wish you the very best for the future.”

Stephen James farms in partnership with his wife, Joyce and his son, Daniel, they have a 500 acre farm with 300 dairy cows. Stephen is a former NFU Cymru County Chairman for Pembrokeshire and is the Union’s bovine TB spokesman.

John Davies farms with his family in Merthyr Cynog, near Brecon. He is married with two children. He has 100 suckler cows, 1,000 ewes, and runs a silage contracting business and holiday accommodation. John is currently Wales YFC Finance Chair, Club leader of his local Pontfaen YFC, Coach of Brecon Under13s rugby team and a community councillor. He is also Chairman of NFU Cymru’s Food and Marketing Group.

John Davies, on being elected as Deputy President paid tribute to his opponent, John Owen, and looked forward to continuing to work with him in his capacity as the Less Favoured Area Board Chairman. John Davies said, “I recognise that this is a very important job and it is a great honour to be elected to the position. I will give the President my full support.”


Out-going President, Ed Bailey, wished both Stephen and John every success in tackling the challenges ahead and thanked both NFU Cymru members and staff for all their help during his four-year term as President.