FRESH FACES AT THE TOP AS TIM DOWNES TAKES RABDF CHAIR
Shropshire dairy farmer Tim Downes has been elected chair of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), taking over from Cumbria dairy farmer Robert Craig for a three-year term.
Former vice chair Tim formally took up the role at the Association’s October meeting on 8 October, alongside the appointment of four new trustees to the board.
Tim farms at Longnor, near Shrewsbury, with his wife Louise and parents John and Chris. The family has farmed organically since 2000 and milks around 300 crossbred cows across more than 330 hectares (815 acres). Tim is a Nuffield Scholar, supports the Nuffield Dairy Scholars team and sits on the Dairy Science Forum.
Looking ahead to his three-year term, Tim said: “I am excited to take the helm of RABDF at such an important time for the organisation and the wider dairy sector. I am particularly looking forward to the forthcoming launch of RABDF’s new strategy and membership offer and to working with the team, trustees, office holders and members to really deliver for dairy farmers over the next three years.
“I would also like to thank Robert for the fantastic job he has done during his term. He has led RABDF through a period of significant change, including the development of a new team, the continued development of Dairy-Tech and the celebration of RABDF’s 150th year, leaving the organisation in a strong position with solid foundations for the future.”
Robert Craig said: “It has been the privilege of my life to lead RABDF over the past few years. The new team has settled in extremely well under the very capable leadership of Hayley, who is approaching her second anniversary as CEO.
“With a new strategy firmly in place, there are some exciting projects ahead which will strengthen RABDF’s position as the only charity dedicated specifically to supporting dairy farmers, while facilitating important conversations around the future size and capacity of UK dairy. I wish Tim every success in his new role.”
The meeting also saw four new trustees appointed: dairy consultant Jo Speed, who has more than 30 years’ sector experience; David Craven, farm manager at Grosvenor Farms; first-generation dairy farmer Howell Richards; and Scottish dairy industry professional Richard Beattie.
They join existing trustees Rob Hitch, Wil Armitage and Sarah Tomlinson. Allan Wilkinson, HSBC Head of Agrifoods, remains as RABDF President.
The appointments come as RABDF prepares to launch its new strategy and membership offer this autumn, setting the direction for the next phase of the organisation’s development.