New NFUS Chairman to take Ayrshire Farming Forward

NFU Scotland's Ayrshire Regional Board held its 2008 AGM on Wednesday 16 January at the Western Hotel in Ayr.

Chairman Jimmy Young of East Moneyacres Farm, Dunlop stood down, and previous Vice-Chairman, Jimmy Ireland of Feoch Farm, Darvel, was elected in his place.

Colin Mair of Montgomerieston Farm, Dalrymple was re-elected as Vice-Chairman and Mungo Guthrie, of High Greenbank Farm, Darvel, and previous Committee Invitee, joins him as a new Vice-Chairman as well.

NFU Scotland's Vice-President, Stewart Wood, was guest speaker at the event and spoke to the Board about FMD compensation, Bluetongue and sheep tagging. Mr. Wood believes it is possible to increase the Union's membership and advance Ayrshire farmers' and NFU Scotland's interests in the region by holding more farming-focused meetings on farm.

He also spoke on the need for cooperation by farmers to help implement a strategy to sit down and discuss the reality of farming with the supply chain and set out the costs involved in farming and the price we need for our products.

Quote from New Chairman Jimmy Ireland:

"I would like to thank Jimmy Young for all the work he has done during his three years as Regional Board Chairman. His involvement in the campaign for fair milk prices and his work to improve relations between local members and their political representatives has proved successful.

"I am looking forward to my Chairmanship of NFU Scotland's Ayrshire Regional Board. My aim is to help increase better cooperation between farmers and the supply chain and, most importantly, the consumer.

"I want to try new ways of gaining member input into shaping the future of Ayrshire farming, and enthuse the next generation by holding relevant on-farm meetings to encourage their input and help their businesses."