A fourth-generation farmer has followed in the footsteps of both of his parents - and his grandad - by becoming chairman of the Essex branch of the National Farmers' Union (NFU).
Robert Padfield, of Magdelan Laver, Ongar, has continued a proud family tradition to take up a role occupied by mum Rosemary, dad, James, and grandad Robert. He succeeds Christy Willett of Galleywood.
Rosemary was county chair from 2008 to 2010 and James - who died in 2002 - was in post from 1993 to 1994.
Robert's grandad - who was awarded an OBE for service to agriculture and died in 2003 - was chairman in the mid-1960s.
“Someone has to fight the corner for agriculture and I’m pleased to be playing my part. I also saw what they got out of it through their NFU work and what that brought back to the business,” he said.
His priority would be member engagement - and lobbying politicians, he said.
“I want to hear from members about their issues and, in an election year. I’ll also be encouraging them to invite their MPs out on farm.
“We need the politicians to understand about food security, unfairness in the supply chain and the other challenges that we are facing.”
Robert runs a 1,500 acre family arable farm with wife Zoe and mother Rosemary - including several farm diversifications.
Former farm buildings are let to a diverse range of businesses - including the UK’s largest breeders of locusts and snakes.
“Farming in Essex is changing. Many businesses have diversified, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by a growing population," he said.
"We’ve been lucky to be able to diversify as not every farm can do that, which is why farmers must be able to make a profit from producing food."
Three years ago Robert went on a Worshipful Company of Farmers three-week residential course at Cirencester which encouraged him to take a fresh look at the business.
“It was good to be with like-minded people from around the country who you wouldn’t normally come across. The course encouraged me to evaluate the business even more than we’ve done before,” he said.
As a result he has introduced a 4.5 day working week with slightly longer weekday hours so Friday afternoons can be taken off by employees.
Alongside lobbying ahead of the election, he says key issues will include rural crime and the upcoming review of Red Tractor and other farm assurance schemes.
“I’d like to thank outgoing county chair Christy Willett for her work over the past four years, especially for keeping everyone in touch during the pandemic,” he said.
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