Staffordshire Chairman
Farmers Club
Karen
A tribute to two of our recently lost, most special and wellknown Members Susan Kilpatrick OBE and John Parker.
Marcus Webb is thrilled to be The Farmers Club Charitable Trust 2024 sponsored attendee at the Conference.
The new Club Chairman has immersed herself in championing the farmer and supporting the wider agricultural community.
Britain’s hunger for cheap food is bad for the nation’s health, bad for farmers and bad for the environment claims guest speaker Tim Lang.
Three days of agricultural discussion under the theme of ‘Facing Change, Funding Opportunity’.
A fair future for farming remains top of the agenda following the government’s Autumn Budget.
The latest selection of amusing comments and pictures you have sent in over the last few months.
Smithfield Market, the city’s most famous and longest established meat market will close permanently from 2028.
key for rare breed meat specialists.
The
The
New U35 Chair Ben Barton hosts a clay shoot and the U35s
It is without doubt, the most incredible honour and privilege to be wishing you all a very Happy New Year, as your Chairman for 2025.
The Club
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard Maunder who was such an excellent Chairman in 2024. I know Richard totally embraced his year in office.
The Club moved forward under his leadership, his brilliant programme was thoroughly enjoyed by members and Richard joined in everything with great zest. I hope he looks back on his year with great fondness and pride at a job well done.
Didi Wheeler is no longer the ‘new boy’ having been at The Club since July 2023. He is very much the steady hand that guides The Club forward. He is joined by our new General Manager, Roland Haimer. We are really extremely fortunate to have such a first class senior team, but it is remembered and appreciated that all involved with The Club, are vital to the smooth daily operation. Each and everyone makes The Club an absolute pleasure for us all to visit. Thank you to each member of our valued team.
I would also like to acknowledge the tireless work of our Vice Presidents, Trustees and Club Committee whose contribution has a great impact on The Club. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by such capable and experienced people who support and help me. Thank you.
Chairman’s Comments
The Club is thriving and in particular the U35’s who have had an outstanding year under the Chairmanship of Andrew Court. I look forward to spending time with their new Chairman Ben Barton and some of the 600 U35 members. I understand that a trip to the Bunga Bunga Night Club is on the cards for the beginning of February, I’ll try not to let you down!
Challenging times
I take over as Chairman at an unprecedented challenging time for farmers and agriculture. A new government with new policies that are going to have a catastrophic impact on our industry. You are all fully aware of the significant reforms proposed for Business Property Relief and the Agricultural Property Relief and their devastating implications for the family farm and business. Employers National insurance contributions are up, national minimum wage has been increased, business relief diminished and to top it all, for those who have planned for their retirement, pensions are also to be hard hit. And these are just the headline issues!
Sadly, as your Chairman I am unable to wave a magic wand and take us back to pre-30th October 2024 when the budget was announced. But what The Club and I can do is bring to you experienced speakers and articles that will be able to explain and hopefully guide you through this quagmire, as you try to work out the best way forward for you, your family and your business. For me, I am extremely concerned about the enormous pressure that is put on an individual’s health and wellbeing and for some it can be very dark times. Be sure to talk to someone whether it is family, a friend or one of the many organisations that can help when life is at its lowest. Farming Charities: Addington Fund, Farming Community Network, RABI. Just make the call please.
The Farmer
The theme for my year in office is “The Farmer” which is what The Farmers Club is about and why it was formed in 1842. It was founded by agricultural journalist William Shaw to quote “he wanted a gathering place for farmers,
which could also serve as a platform, from which would go out to England, news of all that was good in farming, with reports and discussions about those things that needed to be done.” I certainly intend to fulfil the vision of our founder as we address the issues facing our members today. The first great meeting of The Club was in December 1845 and the discussion was on “Tenant Rights for Tenant Farmers” 180 years on and George Dunn of the Tenant Farmers Association will be at the Monday evening lecture (28th April) George will address the current concerns of our members and answer your questions.
Members!
What is happening in the rest of the country is always reflected on the attendance at The Club. Post Covid, train strikes, elections etc. The Club had a difficult start to 2024, but we have been seeing an upturn in the last quarter of the year. There is nothing better than to see The Club buzzing, members enjoying one another’s company and feeling very much at home. Unless there is a big event taking place there is generally accommodation available. So please use The Club more and introduce your farming friends. There is always plenty happening, you won’t be disappointed.
The year ahead
For 2025 there is a full and exciting programme, and I invite you all to join me whenever you can. A highlight for me, is along with my three sons, Tom, Robert and Alec, we look forward to welcoming you to our home county of Staffordshire, where you will see excellent family businesses, listen to great speakers and be hosted at my home, for the final party evening. Then, there is the big trip to the Netherlands for an agricultural and cultural tour in September, it is going to be all you could want!
During my year I want to deliver for you a programme that is relevant, interesting, thought provoking, varied, taking you to places you may never have visited, with friends you have yet to meet, but above all I want it to be memorable and FUN. Come with me on what I hope will be an unforgettable year.
Springboard into a New Year Club News
The final few months of 2024 ended in a flourish of festive fun and Club activity just as we now springboard into the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead, writes The Club Secretary and Chief Executive, Didi Wheeler on the eve of returning from the Lamma 2025 Show at the Birmingham NEC.
Firstly, may I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year. It’s a little late, but I can just about get away with it as all Members receive the Journal. I must also congratulate Club Vice President, Julian Sayers MBE DL, for appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), in the New Year’s Honours List 2025 for services to Agriculture.
Busy Final Quarter
I am delighted to report that the last quarter of 2024 saw a remarkable turnaround of fortunes as Members returned to The Club in their droves after what had been a very quiet year for Members visiting The Club. As well as The Club’s traditional festive events running into Christmas attracting Members to return, we also took the opportunity to support the wider agricultural community in the two major farming protests in Whitehall. The events on 19th November and 11th December attracted c40,000 protesters and c600 tractors to Whitehall. They caught the attention of both the public
and the media. Whether anyone was listening in the Treasury or 10 Downing Street was another question. The Club opened its doors to support anyone from the agricultural community in need of warmth, shelter, and something to eat and drink. The Club is here to serve its Members, and on both these days, I am proud to say we did the same for the wider agricultural community. We will be providing similar provisions if protests are to continue into this year.
New Committee Members
It’s a busy year ahead with the largest number of Club events both in The Club and on outreach across the UK and overseas. This comprehensive programme of events will support this year’s Chairman, Karen Mercer in her year of ‘championing the farmer’. Along with a new Chairman, we also welcome four new Members to The Club Committee:
Ed Barker is Head of Policy for the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC). Previous roles include working for MPs in Parliament, as the CLA’s national agricultural advisor, policy advisor at the National Pig Association (NPA) and in Farm Management for Cheffins, based in Cambridgeshire. He is a partner in a 510ha Suffolk family farm, growing cereals, oilseeds, spring beans and herbage grass seed, which has been engaged in various HLS and Higher tier
environmental stewardship schemes - a LEAF demonstration farm and Silver Lapwing winner. WCF Challenge of Rural Leadership 2023; Board member for COCERAL.
Belinda Gladwin is a director of the family farm, which has expanded to now farm 1,400 acres and fatten 1,050 pigs. Committee member of the March NFU Branch.
Tory Manuel is from a sheep farming background in Argyll, Scotland. She is a marketing expert for interior textiles and bespoke furniture in the UK and USA for industry-leading brands, as well as a Member & Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, board member of Campaign for Wool Canada. Life member of the Royal Highland Show and Member of the Royal Agriculture Society of The Commonwealth.
Julian Sayers MBE, DL
Appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), in the New Year’s Honours List 2025 for services to Agriculture.
This honour recognises over 40 years of unstinting support to, and leadership in agriculture. His current appointments include: Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Vice President of The Farmers Club, Chair of the Farm Tenancy Forum for the Defra Ministers, Trustee of the Lawes Agricultural Trust and the Oxfordshire Agricultural Society Trust. In addition, Julian has been the Master of The Worshipful Company of Farmers, Vice Chairman of Governors at The Royal Agricultural University, National Chairman and now Vice President of RABI, together with being Chairman of The Farmers Club and the Oxford Farming Conference; alongside being a Life Vice President of NFYFC and an Honorary Fellow of The Royal Agricultural University. Julian is a chartered surveyor and Director at Adkin.
Tric Parrott is an active partner in an arable farming business in Staffordshire, which runs alongside a 38-year career in agricultural education and research. This was mainly at Harper Adams University as Principal Lecturer in Agricultural Marketing and as university Placement Coordinator supporting students to employment. She is a council member of Staffordshire Birmingham Agricultural Society, past Chairman of the Women’s Food and Farming Union, Chartered Marketer (CIM-FDA group), a recipient of the Farmers Club Charitable Trust award in 2000, and a Temperton Fellow.
In addition, Ben Barton is this year’s U35 Chairman and Harriet Sylvester is Vice Chair.
I would also like to congratulate Member, Robert Moore, whose business Agri. Cycle has been awarded a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III. This reflects the unwavering commitment to sustainability and dedication to supporting farmers across the UK.
I look forward to a busy year ahead and meeting Members either in The Club or out on outreach activities across the breadth of the UK.
Club Calendar
Festive Fun
For the first time in many years, The Club hosted an elegant Christmas Dinner, with fantastic festive fayre provided by the Kitchen Brigade and a delightful performance by Christmas Carollers. This was swiftly followed by, without a doubt, one of the most magical days of the year at The Club when Father Christmas and his trusty Elf paid a visit to 3 Whitehall Court. It was an afternoon of escapism which was hugely enjoyed by grandparents, parents and children alike. The year was brought to a close by the most anticipated event of the year, the New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner. It was the perfect event: great company; delicious food and wine throughout the night; a dry evening, and the most spectacular fireworks show in the UK erupting just above the Members and a fitting event to mark Richard Maunder’s last day as Club Chairman; quite unforgettable.
Busy Start
With a brief pause to catch our breath, the New Year heralded visits to the Oxford Farming Conference and Lamma 25 by both the Chairman and Club Secretary. Coverage of OFC features elsewhere in this Journal, but Lamma, the UK’s largest agricultural equipment show, held at the Birmingham NEC was a great opportunity to meet Members and prospective candidates. The Show was opened by Tom Bradshaw alongside NFU Cymru President Aled Jones, and Jeff Claydon of Claydon Drills as they also championed the NFU’s “Stop the Family Farm Tax” Campaign. The event was upbeat, despite the challenges facing the industry and there was a buzz about the show amongst visitors and exhibitors. It was true, many were window-shopping, but there was also some business being done.
Future Events
The Club has an exciting and busy schedule of events this year, there is a summary of many of these events on the back page of this Journal and of course we will be adding considerably more events over the coming months and we will keep you updated with regular newsletters. There is something for everyone, and if you haven’t taken the opportunity to join us, I would really urge you to do so. There really is a tremendously wide ranging series of events and activities: there is something to suit everyone.
I just want to highlight The Club’s Agri-Tour to the Netherlands on 14th to 19th September 2025. This will be an excellent 6-days away in the Netherlands with Club Chairman Karen Mercer on a bespoke agricultural and cultural tour with recommendations made by the Dutch Agricultural Attaché in London. Please book soon to avoid disappointment.
MEMBERS UPDATE: ‘MY PROSTATE AND ME’
After Stewart Houston’s article in the last Journal, ‘My Prostate and Me’, many Members have contacted me with kind messages of support for Stewart. To update you all, Stewart is as stoic as ever and is undergoing a course of chemotherapy at the moment but hopes to be back in The Club shortly. For those who may have an issue with their
health and would like to turn to someone to talk to, apart from their doctor, there is help available from a charity called the Patients Association. Their remit covers all health and care issues, working with patients directly to provide vital information, they may be the help you need. www.patients-association.org.uk and 0800 345 7115
The Club’s Agri-Tour to the Netherlands
New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner
Oxford Farming Conference Inspire Scholars
…with his trusty Elf Guess who?…
Susan Kilpatrick OBE (1938 – 2024)
Club Honorary Treasurer, Trustee and Honorary Vice President
Sue Kilpatrick passed away quietly in hospital on 14th November. Although born in Wimborne, Dorset, Sue moved to Warrington Lancashire at the start of the last War before settling in Sutton and Cheam in Surrey. Leaving school at 15 years of age, Sue joined Shell as a Secretary, which her father didn’t approve of, before moving to the Milk Marketing Board (MMB). Initially trained in the typing pool and spending the nights learning shorthand, Sue rose through all the roles open to women with great success over the following 20-years. She was far more able than many of her managers, who delegated so much of their work to her. It is unsurprising that in recognition of her outstanding performance at the MMB, a new appointment was created, Assistant Secretary to the Board. After a further 5-years, Sue was appointed to be the Company Secretary of the MMB. This achievement was almost unimaginable for a woman at that time. In her 10-year tenure she had to endure European milk quotas, Mrs Thatcher’s intense dislike of the MMB and weather the court action brought by the European Union. For her outstanding contribution and service, Sue was recognised with the Office of the Order of the British Empire.
It was Peter Jackson CBE, who first met Sue at the MMB, that introduced her to The Farmers Club. She will be remembered with great affection as a loyal, hardworking and dedicated member of The Club for over 41 years. Sue was elected to The Club Committee in 1992, becoming The Club’s Honorary Treasurer (1997 to 2004), and then Trustee (2005 to 2014), and subsequently Honorary Vice President. Sue was utterly committed to The Club she loved, but so much of her important work went on largely unseen to most members. She will be greatly missed.
Club Tributes
We have recently lost two of our most special and wellknown Members who both gave tremendous service to The Club they loved; universally popular with everyone they came in touch with. They will be sorely missed and are simply irreplaceable writes Didi Wheeler.
John Parker (1931-2024)
Club Chairman, Trustee, Vice President and Honorary Vice President
John Parker sadly passed away after a period of ill health on 29th November. John was born on 19th September 1931, the youngest of four children. Charity Farm, Fareham was their home, as tenants of the Southwick Estate. John’s education in farming started with a burgeoning family business that would expand to encompass Wallops Wood with outposts on the coast at Chilling and Cornwall growing everything from Brussels sprouts and potatoes to daffodils, cereals and forage crops to feed several dairy herds, the sheep flock and the poultry units, supplying milk and eggs to doorsteps around Fareham and beyond.
John moved with his parents when they took the tenancy and then bought outright the Stokewood Estate in 1938, living a happy bachelor life…weekends were spent playing rugby or hockey and sometimes around the local pubs. John’s bachelor days came to an end when he met Elizabeth and they moved to Wallops Wood House shortly after their marriage in 1965 with daughter Katherine born in 1972.
John’s successes came from an inherent interest in everything that everyone else was doing all around the world and was sparked by a Nuffield Farming Scholarship trip in 1954 to America, where he studied the sugar beet industry and mixed farming. He ran the Droxford farms at a time when the country needed cheap food and farmers were valued for their contribution, sadly more than today. He continued to farm until 1998 when the land was sold. Farming was both John’s career and passion. There weren’t many parts of Hampshire that he didn’t know much about, walked or drove over, either with a gun in hand with members and friends or on a farm walk.
A member of The Club for 69 years, he was Chairman in 1983 and then Trustee (1997 to 2001) and Vice-President and Honorary Vice President. In his Chairman’s year he led farming groups up and down the country and knew everyone in farming who mattered – just as they all knew him – a leader of men and a leader of farming. He was immensely proud of The Club and cherished the friendships he made. Many remember John coming out of the Eastwood Room after lunch with a decanter of port in one hand and a glass in the other, stating ‘I always know when to go home when the decanter is dry!’ Contacts made at The Club led to involvement in several national agricultural organisations, such as the Royal Agricultural Societies, of which he was a fellow, the Grassland Research Institute, which he was Chairman of, and the Agriculture and Food Research Council. He was also chair of the board to the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Farms in Cheshire for 10 years. He also remained an ardent supporter of the Fareham and Hants Farmers Club, where he was also Chairman and later President and had only recently stepped down as a Trustee. He was one of nature’s finest Gentlemen and a great distributor of kindness and knowledge.
Nuffield Scholars Belfast Conference 2024
I was thrilled to be The Farmers Club Charitable Trust 2024 sponsored attendee at the Nuffield Scholars Belfast Conference on behalf of the U35’s members. I’ve been interested in applying for a Nuffield Scholarship over recent years but never quite knew what the process or experience entailed. My trip to Belfast has cemented my goal to apply writes Marcus Webb
The event began with pre-conference visits in and around Belfast; these included a dairy farm, brewery and anaerobic digester plant. I opted for the AD plant tour and saw how the Blakiston Houston Estate utilised silage and waste organic matter to generate gas, which was used to drive generators. They recently invested in a mobile screw press slurry separator with a view to offering a service for other local dairy farmers. The model aims to separate customers’ dry matter for use in the BH Estates digester at no cost to the customer, providing feedstock for the plant and a more manageable slurry for the local farmers.
With the main conference starting within the characterful Assembly Rooms in Belfast, delegates heard from almost 30 scholars who had completed their research and global tours over the past 2 years. From vertical farms to reintroducing large carnivores in the UK, I could probably fill the whole journal with interesting content from across the conference, but instead, I have tried to summarise what I found insightful from the two days.
We heard from several scholars whose papers were aimed at the poultry industry, with two focusing on alternative protein sources within feed rations aiming for less reliance on imported soya, both honed in on insect-based protein meal. The concept is that insect larvae can reproduce and grow valuable protein with food and animal waste as feedstock. Key challenges in the sector revolve around the UK regulation being behind the EU, which will impact the ability of UK farmers to take up certain elements of these feed practices in the short. This thread ran across multiple presentations where
the difficulties, post-Brexit, with lagging UK regulations, are impacting the agricultural sector, such as restrictive genetic developments in the soft fruit industry.
The phrase “regenerative farming”, used more regularly by farmers, the general public and politicians over recent years, was covered at various points by multiple scholars. Building resilience in the industry by looking more closely at our soils has merit.
An interesting question fielded from the audience, and one I’ve been pondering myself during the regenerative-themed presentations, is, “Is regenerative farming not just the mixed farming that we already know?” The answer from the panel was broadly yes, but with a greater focus on nutrient application timing and understanding of the soil microbiome in a more scientific way. Potentially, ‘scientist’ is another job title that farmers will need to adopt going forward!
A particularly interesting set of presentations came from Hannah Fraser and Tom Pearson, both qualified doctors who chose to work in agriculture. They highlighted the key links between nutrient quality within the food we produce and the health benefits for consumers. From carrots to beef, the variations in micronutrient content can have impacts on consumer health. A particular point which resonated with me was when Hannah explained that the micronutrient content of wheat had fallen since the 1960s when new, higher-yielding varieties were introduced and then later, the use of artificial fertilisers drove overall yields up, but micronutrient content down. We’re potentially
chasing increased yields but spreading nutrient content more thinly. With micronutrients being generated from the soil microbiome, we are back to looking at soil health and regenerative farming.
The main conclusion from this part of the conference was how education is needed in the sector and links required between farming, food and health but also how improving the soil microbiome can improve nutrient quality in food another thread to regenerative farming.
What struck me throughout the experience was the sheer variety of backgrounds and topics covered across the conference and how even now in 2025 there is a huge amount that can be learnt from agricultural practices overseas.
I left the conference full of inspiration and hope for the sector, despite what was happening coterminously on Whitehall. Having discussed with a number of scholars throughout the conference, you may well see a Nuffield title along the lines of “Making Agriculture Profitable” by myself in the coming years.
And finally, thank you to The Farmers Club Charitable Trust for sponsoring my attendance. I would encourage anyone to attend the 2025 conference in Aberdeen, it promises to be equally inspiring.
All research papers are available on the Nuffield website www.nuffieldscholar.org
Staffordshire Chairman
Apart from 6-months in Canada in her late teens, Karen Mercer’s entire life has been deeply intertwined with farming. The new Club Chairman from Staffordshire has immersed herself in championing the farmer and is tireless in providing support to the wider agricultural community. Didi Wheeler introduces Karen Mercer
Early Days
“I’ve always been in Staffordshire, but my mother is from Lanarkshire, where she was brought up on the family farm until they moved south to a tenanted farm at Shustoke, Coleshill in 1942” Karen’s mother, Euphemia, known as Phame, was only 13 years old and the eldest of seven children when they moved south. Sadly, her mother had been taken ill, immediately prior to the move and died. Phame found herself with six younger children to help care for, living in a new home and farm, all with the backdrop of Coventry being bombed in the distance! She was an exceptional woman, compassionate, hardworking, and determined under the most difficult of circumstances. For those who know Karen well, you will recognise all those characteristics in abundance.
Phame met Karen’s father, Tom Moore, at a Coleshill Young Farmers dance. Once married, they took a tenancy at Abbott’s Bromley, 70 acres, in 1956, when Karen was born. In 1962, they moved to a tenanted farm at Shenstone near Lichfield, where a dairy herd was established. In 1976, they were fortunate enough to be able to buy the farm as sitting tenants. They immediately sold and bought an arable farm in Yorkshire. In 1981 they bought a dairy farm just outside Stirling. The last sale and move was in 1988, when they bought an arable farm in Lincolnshire. Each move came with an increase of acres, finally reaching 1,400. As you can see, farming, along with change and innovation, was well and truly in the blood.
“I am full of admiration and respect for all that my parents achieved. Everything was done for the betterment of their children and to give the family a better future.”
Karen was the eldest and had two younger brothers and a sister. She passed her 11 plus into Lichfield Girls Grammar School, The Friary. After O levels, her father said that she needed to be working by the time she was eighteen. So, it was off to a secretarial course at Sutton Coldfield College and then Rodbaston Agricultural College to train as a farm secretary. Completing the course on a Friday, Karen started on Monday morning, for a local farmer.
Life was busy and fun, with life revolving around working hard and socializing at Tamworth Young Farmers, where she met a dashing young chap, Roger Mercer. It was not surprising that Karen decided not to move with the family to Yorkshire, but to stay in Staffordshire to be a farm secretary!
Amongst her numerous tasks, Karen was responsible for finding the seasonal workers to harvest the potato crop. She organized and managed the 100 casual women, who were from the Tamworth Council estates. One abiding memory on 16 August 1977, the date Elvis Presley died, she remembers the pickers in the fields with their radios on, sitting down and
crying! After a motivational chat, with sleeves rolled up, the young Karen convinced the ladies to return to work, with Elvis still playing in the background!
With an opportunity to work in Calgary, Karen left the fields of Staffordshire to enjoy the delights of foreign travel, working as a hotel receptionist. Then with a friend, travelled the breadth of the great and exciting expanse of Canada, in a small van with a mattress in the back. Within two days of returning home, she was engaged to Roger. They were married in November 1977, just two days before Karen’s 21st birthday.
Mercer Farming
Within two years, father-in-law Alec Mercer tragically died, in 1979. The young couple, with Karen expecting their second son, were left to take on the Mercer farming enterprise of a 200acre dairy farm and the 700-acre Blakenhall Estate, plus other rented land. It was very much a traditional mixed enterprise of dairy, pigs, sheep, turkeys, potatoes, sugar beet, wheat, barley, oil seed rape, and grass seed. The 1980s brought a period of rationalisation and streamlining to a 50% arable (cereals and potatoes) and a 50% livestock (dairy and pigs) operation. It was a formula that was to prove successful, however, the pedigree herd of Harlaston Large White pigs, farmed since 1925, were sold. This allowed a new relationship with the Cotswold Pig Company with a pedigree multiplying unit. The dairy herd was enlarged to 220 Friesian Holsteins milking three times a day. With rising quota prices, the decision was made to sell the cows and lease out the quota, before finally selling both the quota and the dairy farm just before BSE struck. Change and innovation continued through the 1990’s as the business expanded again.
“I am a great believer that you won’t expand your mind or thinking, without leaving the farm and having an open mind.”
As Roger travelled overseas on his Nuffield Farming Scholarship, Karen took the reins at the farm, kept the home fires burning, and most importantly brought up the three sons. In turn the three boys, Tom (eldest), Robert (middle) and Alec (youngest) returned from university. Tom started as a management consultant, then established MOMA Foods launching his breakfast stall at Waterloo East Station, selling bircher muesli to hungry commuters from a converted filing cabinet on wheels. He subsequently sold the business to AG. Barr and is a director of the family business. Robert has led on pig farming since 2002, growing the business to 13,000 sows and over 70 contract finishers, before selling to Cranswick. He is now back breeding pigs with 5,500 sows, marketed under Packington Pork, direct to butchers and restaurants. Alec started his own poultry business, Packington Poultry selling free range chickens, supplying independent butchers, farm shops and restaurants around the country, through the Packington Free
Range brand; and has intensive poultry units raising birds for Moy Park. He also has responsibility for leading on renewable energy.
The business also had a small building company, converted farm buildings to office space, had a pub, and even started a business in New South Wales, Australia. “Over the years we haven’t been frightened to try something new, even if they weren’t the success we hoped for, they definitely added to our knowledge of what not to do!” Unsurprisingly, Mercer Farming was awarded The Farmers Weekly, diversification farmer of the year in 2008. Roger and Karen divorced in 2006; Karen now has a rural property business run from her 40-acre smallholding farm.
“I congratulate Roger, Tom, Robert, and Alec on all that they have done and achieved. I am incredibly proud of them all and I am pleased to have been a part of the Mercer Farming journey for 30 years, until retiring from the business in 2006.”
Service to Others
Stepping away from Mercer Farming allowed Karen the opportunity to continue to focus her energy on support for others, through a broad range of charities. In addition, Karen has been at the forefront of many other charitable endeavours. She was the Midlands Chairman and Trustee of Canine Partners, helping to expand the charity by establishing the National Training Centre in the Midlands. However, the charity that has had the biggest impact on Karen is Pump Aid, whose aim is to increase sustainable access to water and sanitation. Following a trip to the Pump Aid project in Zimbabwe, in 2001, she volunteered to take on the role of UK fundraiser and worked tirelessly for many years, across the UK, raising funds and establishing contracts that are still in operation today.
In addition, Karen was Staffordshire’s Chairman of Women’s Farming Union, Trustee of Sedbergh School Foundation, and the Regional Chairman of the Landowners Client Group for Coutts Bank. Karen currently sits on the RASE Membership Council, the WCF Health & Wellbeing forum and is a member of Women in Food & Farming. She is an ARAgS. She has been Treasurer of her church for over 40 years. Karen became a City of London Liveryman with the Worshipful Company of Farmers. After 13 years of service, Karen was appointed as Master in 2022, and only the fourth person to have been both Master of the Farmers and Chairman of The Club.
The Farmers Club
Karen initially visited The Club with Roger due to his Nuffield Scholar commitments and then started visiting with friends socially to take in all the best that London has to offer. “I remember the days before refurbishment, The Club had a homely feel, but was basic, of course, we didn’t know any better in those early days - we thought it was the bee’s knees.” After a long break from The Club, Karen returned as a member in her own right for a St George’s Day lunch when Tony Pexton was Chairman. “As I stepped into the Lounge, I was welcomed by Liz Pexton, who introduced me to other Members and once again I immediately felt at home in The Club. I have always felt so safe and at ease in The Club, it’s a very special place.”
Karen wants to play her role in taking The Club forward this year but remains ever mindful and respectful of the history and tradition of The Club and all that it stands for. Many are quick to forget that in 1842, The Farmers Club was the only agricultural institution shaping government policy and spreading agricultural news (there were no Farming Journals in those days!). Karen is keen to listen to Members and continue to ensure The Club meets their requirements and aspirations, importantly making sure high standards are maintained.
“Over our lifetime, we all achieve a great deal, but what has motivated me most is my family and their future. That’s what it’s all about, really, isn’t it? I am very fortunate to have my three sons, but also my three grandsons and four granddaughters. It’s times with them I value and enjoy the most.”
Why UK must avoid another ‘food shock’
Britain’s hunger for cheap food is bad for the nation’s health, bad for farmers and bad for the environment, listeners heard at The Club’s latest Monday Evening Lecture, writes Johann Tasker.
Guest speaker Tim Lang, Emeritus Professor at City, University of London’s Centre for Food Policy, delivered a challenging message to a receptive audience on Monday, 11 November 2024. Speaking on the topic of rethinking UK food policy, Prof Lang was asked: Do we, as a society, take food security seriously enough? His answer was short and emphatic: “No,” he said.
As a nation, we are in danger of once again repeating mistakes stretching back almost two centuries, Prof Lang told Club Members. Why? Because we forget the lessons of the past too easily.
It took two world wars for Britain to finally see the folly of a cheap food policy which started with the 1846 repeal of the Corn Laws, a series of tariffs and import bans on grain which had been in place since 1773 to protect British agriculture.
Back in the 19th century, the government had understandable reasons for wanting cheap food, argues Prof Lang. The growing industrial working classes needed to be fed and the industrialists won the argument against the landed aristocracy.
Precarious position
As a result, farming went into slow decline as food became cheaper. Only the First World War provided the ‘food shock’ needed for the government to realise that imports from the Empire were easily disrupted.
The rapid establishment of the first Ministry of Food in 1916 encouraged farmers to ramp up food production during the First World War. But the ministry was dissolved soon after the armistice and old habits quickly returned.
Britain today is in a similar, yet far more precarious position, says Prof Lang. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a stark reminder of our vulnerability to food shocks, spiking the price of grain as well as fertiliser.
At the same time, rather than ensuring security by storing food, big companies rely on complex just-in-time supply chains. Yes, they deliver cheap food, but those supply chains are also fragile and vulnerable, especially to cyber attack.
Then there are the food shocks caused by the Covid pandemic, with supermarkets limiting the quantities of food customers can purchase to ensure there is enough to go round. A modern form of wartime rationing.
Two-thirds of Britain’s food was imported when the government introduced rationing at the start of the Second World War. However, in just six years, domestic production doubled, spurred on by the ‘Dig For Victory’ campaign and the Women’s Land Army.
“After the war, a major restructuring happened,” says Prof Lang. “The government basically said: ‘Never again, we need to maintain some modicum of food production’. And they did it by the only methods that were then acceptable, which was subsidised farming.”
Powerful voices
Farmers continued to be subsidised after Britain joined the European Union, creating vast stockpiles of surplus food until the system was reformed. Now out of the EU, the UK government “has no food strategy,” says Prof Lang.
“Britain has form on not taking food security seriously”
The jury is out when it comes to plans for a national food strategy announced by Defra Secretary Steve Reed just before Christmas. “We wait to see whether this Labour government takes it seriously again,” Prof Lang says.
“There are strong arguments in the Treasury that say we don’t need food, that it’s a waste of time and expensive, let the rich and the powerful survive and let farming sink or swim like everyone else. Then there are those who say farming is special.”
“Alongside that are the two big 20th century arguments, which is that the food system is helping to destroy biodiversity, destroying ecosystems, polluting water and damaging the soil on which everything depends.”
“The other argument is the nature of what happens to food after it leaves the land. This is what mostly commodity farming is about; it is processed into unhealthy diets that kill people slowly, cost a fortune and bankrupt the NHS.”
Bigger picture
This isn’t happening only in Britain. It’s happening everywhere else in the wealthier parts of the world too. It hasn’t been sorted out and it remains to be seen how radically the Labour government will address what the evidence says it should address.
A good food strategy, argues Prof Lang, would be one which feeds directly into people’s health. “It means more food direct to the consumer, and much more diversity farmed in a different way.”
What that looks like in terms of incentives for farmers must be properly considered, he adds. Shorter supply chains that cut out the processing and value-added made by retailers, food manufacturers and the food service sector could be a start.
“Those three sectors take all the money. Farming doesn’t get much, so farming is on a treadmill and in a very difficult position. The question is, will we address that bigger picture or will we just box and cox and try to muddle through?”
Prof Tim Lang’s latest study, which examines food shocks and how to avoid them, is being undertaken for the National Preparedness Commission. Findings will be published early this year.
Oxford Farming Conference 2025
Facing Change, Finding Opportunity
OFC25 was yet again another ‘protein-rich’ three days of agricultural discussion writes Didi Wheeler. The Club Chairman, Karen Mercer and The Club Secretary were there to meet members, engage with those less familiar with The Club, learn (one never stops learning!), and discuss the issues of the day with presenters and attendees, with a challenging outlook ahead.
This year’s Conference, under the strapline of ‘Facing Change, Finding Opportunity’, explored how current and future farming policies provide new opportunities for farmers; how we can adapt, with the help of science and new practices, to the changing natural world; and how change and adversity can produce inspiring innovators and leaders who can transform people, farming and food production. The theme was spot on at a time when farming faces huge changes. It provided ideas and inspiration at a time when many farmers feel almost overwhelmed by uncertainty, including unpredictable markets, unpredictable weather and unpredictable politicians. It highlighted new revenue sources, and new farmer-led ways to generate additional revenue. It was an inspirational few days, that provoked much discussion and debate.
The Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was the keynote speaker on Day 1. He was never going to have an easy ride, defending a deeply unpopular government policy (IHT) which has huge implications for farmers, yet which he didn’t deviate from the Government’s position, however, at least he turned up. His apology to farmers and their families was only half an apology, saying he was sorry for the ‘shock’ the policy had caused rather than apologising for the policy itself, and rather predictably, he then doubled down on it. There were plenty of words and talk of plans, strategy and a ‘new deal’ for farmers. Some might argue his encouraging farmers to diversify fails to address the challenge of low profitability when it comes to food production, i.e. rather than setting out a framework that encourages profitable food production, encouraging farmers to diversify is encouraging them to do something else other than farming. Indeed, many farmers are already diversified to the maximum extent possible. He did pledge that public procurement should see more British food purchased, but we know that governments in succession have made this pledge. It may be easy to say in a speech ‘soundbite’, but has continually proved to be elusive in terms of delivery. We shall have to see what 2025 brings.
The Secretary of State battled through his speech with the sound of tractor horns in accompaniment. It was an understandable heart-felt plea from ordinary hard-working farming families for the government to listen to them. With little or no engagement so far from the Treasury on IHT, it was at least a reminder that the industry isn’t going to just roll over. The challenge will be to maintain pressure from across the breadth of the food and farming supply chain without alienating the public and keeping consumers onside.
Food poverty campaigner Dominic Watters was excellent, he is a critical friend of the industry. Farmers often complain that consumers need to understand farmers better, Dominic suggested that farmers could do more to understand the challenges faced by consumers, including those living in chronic food poverty. The inability to afford to keep the gas supply to the stove or electricity to the fridge/freezer running, the lack of access to fresh nutritious food, and the glut of less expensive ultra-processed foods, was a sobering reminder for all in the audience.
Other highlights included listening to how five dairy farmers had transitioned from ‘higher yield high input’ herds to ‘lower yield, low input’, taking an initial financial hit, but all had found there were significant gains once the new regime
Tractor Protest outside the OFC
SofS Keynote Address
Gaia Vince Environmental Strategist
HRH The Princess Royal with OFC Chairman Geoff Sansome
OFC Inspire Scholars at McDonald’s
Dominic Watters
had settled down. It was better for the livestock and their health, better for the soil, better for the environment and indeed better for the farmer. One farmer was keeping the calves suckling the mother and was once a day milking.
The sobering impact of climate change was brought starkly into focus as Environmental Strategist Gaia Vince informed us where and how we would have to live in the future, with the backdrop of the destructive fires in Los Angeles her talk was riveting. The day ended with a more light-hearted and inspirational talk by Wilfred Emmanuel Jones, the Black Farmer. He summarised his journey from the West Indies to Birmingham, to working at the BBC, firstly as security on the car park entry barrier to latterly directing major productions, to becoming a successful business entrepreneur, owning a farm in Southwest England and launching a major brand of food products.
It was good too to see the OFC Inspire Programme encouraging new entrants to the industry and giving youngsters an opportunity to attend. Likewise, it was also encouraging to see the hand of friendship extended to the ‘rival’ Oxford Real Farming Conference, we shall see how this develops.
There was so much crammed into those three days, I am unable to cover it all here. Oxford always provides ‘food for thought’ and this year was no exception.
Inspire Scholar Perspective
During August last year, I was accepted as the Oxford Farming Conference Scholar of 2025 on behalf of The Farmers Club writes Ed Mayell.
What has followed has been a thoroughly interesting five months, involving a 1-day in-person training forum at the McDonald’s Head Office in London as well as two online bespoke webinars, on topics of ‘inclusive leadership’ and ‘equity, diversity and inclusion’.
McDonald’s journey from farm to flour to burger buns offered a new perspective on supply chain management and was as impressive as their willingness to let us loose in their kitchens! The day also featured representatives from the Country Trust highlighting their work in connecting underprivileged children with farming, and past OFC ‘Breaking Barriers’ scholar – Hakeem Ojo – sharing his perspective and top tips on how to make the most of the conference, with an emphasis on Preparing, Engaging, Networking and Promoting.
The 2025 Oxford Farming Conference, themed “Facing Change, Finding Opportunity”, brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and agricultural professionals to explore the future of farming. This year’s event investigated how everchanging farming policies, scientific advancements, and innovative practices are creating opportunities amid the challenges facing agriculture today.
Whilst the Farmers Weekly Question Time, on day one, sparked passionate debate on critical issues such as “Do farmers need to be more businessminded rather than taxpayerfocused?”, and the last day featured Anthony Murphy’s session titled, “For the Love of Grass-Fed Beef”, where he outlined his inspiring Herefordshire story of founding The Beefy Boys with 3 friends, and how they have looked to foster stronger connections between producers and consumers, it was the second-day session titled “Responding to Changing Policies” featuring Phil Jarvis of Albanwise, Neil Heseltine, a livestock farmer from North Yorkshire, and Lisbeth Henricksen the Executive Director of Innovation at Seges Innovation in Denmark – that I found most thought-provoking.
An audience member asked, “Can we realistically become self-sufficient in the UK, given the diminishing land availability for producing food?” The response that maybe we should consider wasting less rather than producing more struck me. It shifts the narrative from a focus on increasing production to improving efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain. This perspective challenges the traditional mindset of driving yields at all costs and instead highlights the potential of supporting UK farmers by addressing waste further down the food supply chain, something I am particularly interested in given my graduate scheme with Management Development Services (MDS) where I spent two years on four-six month placements immersing myself in contrasting aspects of the food, farming and fresh produce industry.
The ‘Post-Debate Supper’ in the historic Christ Church College dining hall, was a setting that perfectly encapsulated the sense of history associated with an event which has offered me an unprecedented opportunity to network with industry leaders and further broaden my knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the rural, agricultural and food production sectors in 2025.
The Oxford Farming Conference and the OFC25 Scholars Scheme has been an enriching experience, leaving me inspired by the resilience, creativity, and collaboration within UK agriculture.
My thanks go to The Farmers Club and all those involved for sponsoring me during the 24/25 programme.
Farming Matters: Securing farming’s future is key goal for 2025
The Club has an important supporting role in getting farming’s message across to government, writes Johann Tasker. A fair future for farming remains top of the agenda following a tumultuous three months in the wake of the government’s autumn Budget.
A fair future for farming remains top of the agenda following a tumultuous three months in the wake of the government’s autumn Budget.
Farm leaders say they will keep making the case for UK agriculture after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced shock plans to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million.
NFU Family Farm Tax Campaign
Those members who wish to support the NFU’s approach to overturn ‘The Family Farm Tax, are asked by the President, Tom Bradshaw to pledge support by scanning the QR Code on the NFU Campaign Flyer.
Profits in agriculture are so low compared to the capital employed that many growers and livestock producers face having to sell off land and assets to pay the tax – rendering the remainder of their farm unviable and forcing them to quit the industry.
Farmers have been hit hard by other measures too. The Basic Payment Scheme ‘phase-out’ has been accelerated in England, capital grants for environmental improvements have been frozen, and pick-up trucks are to be taxed at higher company car rates.
Warm
welcome
Thousands of farmers descended on London to protest against the government’s plans in the run-up to Christmas – with The Club playing its part by throwing open its doors and offering hot food, refreshments and a place to warm up for hundreds of Members and Non-Members, many who had never heard of, never mind been to, The Farmers Club (See panel).
The first mass rally on 19 November saw more than 10,000 farmers bring Whitehall to a standstill. It was followed by a 600-strong tractor protest two weeks later. NFU president Tom Bradshaw then announced a further day of action for 25 January.
“Farmers haven’t taken this destructive policy lying down and we won’t give up,” he says. “There’s too much at risk – our families, our future, our heritage and the undermining of the very sector that produces a safe, secure supply of British food.”
Much discussion was had around the table!
The vital importance of agriculture and the contribution made by British food producers to the nation’s health and well-being is a key theme for The Club throughout 2025 under the chairmanship of Karen Mercer.
Farming prospects
Farmers across all sectors face a raft of challenges, say analysts. Output is expected to rise in real terms over the coming 12 months, but many input costs are continuing to rise at or above the rate of inflation.
Although the price of feed and fertiliser looks relatively steady compared to recent years, the annual Outlook forecast from farm business consultants Andersons expects the cost of borrowing, wages and wider services to increase.
At the same time, no farm in England will receive more than £7,200 in direct payments following the autumn Budget decision to reduce delinked payments harder and faster than previously anticipated.
The government has, however, underlined its commitment to Environmental Land Management with a new and improved Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme due to open this year.
Better times ahead
Defra says the high tier scheme will provide new quarterly payments designed to improve farm cashflows, alongside a rolling application window so farmers can apply throughout the year. But it will be by invitation only at first.
Experts say farmers should take a detailed look at their businesses when deciding how to ride out these challenges. That means sitting down and discussing the best way forward with family and trusted advisers.
Denise Wilkinson, head of agriculture and partner at solicitors HCR Law, says the Budget understandably sent a wave of panic across the farming community – potentially forcing farmers into making rash decisions.
“As it stands, we still don’t have the guidance that we need to make all the decisions with regards to succession planning – and when it comes to succession and rethinking business structure, you shouldn’t make changes overnight.”
Protest leader praises The Farmers Club Lincolnshire farmer, protest leader and Club Member, Andrew Ward says he is determined that the government recognises the importance of food and farming.
Andrew was one of the organisers of the mass rally which saw more than 10,000 farmers descend on London last November. Further protests will be held until the government listens, he says.
“It’s not just food and farming – the whole structure of the environment and looking after wildlife will be affected by the government’s decision to cut de-linked payments and putting capital grants on hold.”
Farmers are not going to give in, says Andrew. “Farmers are inherently tough people. We’ve had many years overcoming challenges and being up against it. We are used to it. But the government isn’t, they are only just starting.”
“If they think they can defeat farmers, they can think again. They only have to look at the number of farmers attending these protests. We won’t go away –and the protests will only get stronger.”
Mr Ward was full of praise for The Farmers Club which provided an ‘operations room’ and acted as an unofficial headquarters for protesters during the mass rally – a stone’s throw from Whitehall – last November.
“It was absolutely brilliant,” says Mr Ward. “I have been a Member for a number of years and the facilities are second to none. The fact that The Club opened its doors, gave us a room and refreshments for two or three days – it was superb.”
Profits in agriculture are so low compared to the capital employed
Tractor Rally on Whitehall
All Hands to the Pumps!
Farming briefs
Pithy snapshots of recent food and farming stories
Beans used to brew each of the 3bn cups of coffee drunk every day account for up to 17 times more carbon than milk and use 2 baths of water in their production, says start-up Morrow. Malting, roasting and advanced flavour profiling could help UK barley and pulses be a climate-saving alternative, reports PGRO
Neurodiversity – where people’s brains work in a different way to what is felt typical – may be more prevalent in farming, a survey for Farmers Weekly’s Level the Field campaign suggests. ADHD, autism, dyslexia, bipolar and brain injury can all be involved, offering possible benefits, but 68% of those surveyed said awareness in rural communities is poor.
Farmers should take ownership of the data collected on their farms, so they can control who has access to it, protect its security, and help cut duplication and overall costs. A central industry database for all enviro data could be a good start, before moving onto other data areas, the AHDB suggests.
The Transforming Land Use for Net Zero, Nature and People (LUNZ) programme has £14.5m of fresh UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding for better modelling of net zero pathways; a new greenhouse gas accounting framework; a study into balancing needs more equitably; optimisation of grassland; and restoring peat.
WHAT’S IN A WORD: ‘Petrichor’
The magical earthy scent arising when fresh rain falls on a dry field. Technically, each raindrop creates aerosols of water packed with essential plant oils and geosmin from soil microbes, which a human nose can detect at just 0.4 parts per billion! To farmers it is the smell of early summer… and autumn cultivations too. (Pronounced: peh-truh-kaw)
LOST IN TRANSLATION
INTERESTING FACTS
The planning application for the Lower Thames Crossing has reached (so far!) 360,000 report pages and cost £297M. By contrast, the longest tunnel in the world, to be built in Norway, and is quite an exceptional engineering feat will cost less than half of the planning costs of the Thames Crossing!
Sign in busy East Anglian farmyard: Caution: vechiles turning!
HOW RELEVANT IS THIS TODAY?
“If you don’t read a newspaper then you are uninformed, but if you do read a newspaper then you are misinformed”.
MARK TWAIN
If you think you can add to the merriment send in your pictures and amusing or interesting comments to me at: generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com Please do give it a go!
Smithfield Market
Virtually every aspect of London has changed beyond recognition in the past nine hundred years, but there has been one certainty: Smithfield Market, the city’s most famous and longest established meat market. Now even this great feature of London life looks set to be no more. The City of London Corporation has voted to withdraw support for Smithfield and Billingsgate fish market, meaning that the two markets will close permanently from 2028. The decision shows a reckless disregard for London’s history, reports Alexander Larman of The Spectator.
A market was first reported existing at Smithfield in 1133, and it gradually expanded in reputation, size and noise over the next seven hundred years. Charles Dickens wrote of it in Oliver Twist that: “It was market morning. The ground was covered, nearly ankle-deep, with filth and mire… the bleating of sheep, the grunting and squeaking of pigs… the shouts, oaths and quarrelling on all sides… rendered it a stunning and bewildering scene.”
Yesterday (26th November 2024) saw a similarly stunning and bewildering scene; the City of London Corporation held a shadowy private vote, from which members of the public and journalists were excluded, in which they ratified their decision not to move the market to a planned new site in Dagenham and confirmed their earlier intent not to continue Smithfield’s existence as a meat market. Its traders, who supply many of the country’s best restaurants, will be handsomely compensated and bought out of their leases – which, in some cases, have been handed down from one family member to another. It is estimated that this will cost the Corporation more than £300 million, before the market is finally closed.
When the market closes for good, its fate, presumably, is for it to become another part of London’s much-lamented past. Part of the Smithfield site has been earmarked for the new premises of the
Museum of London. Presumably, future visitors will walk around the museum and marvel at the way in which, once upon a time, carefully selected parts of dead animals were sold by farmers and butchers to chefs, restaurateurs and even the odd hardy member of the public, who was happy to visit the market in its nocturnal opening hours of midnight until 7am before enjoying an early morning breakfast and a pint at one of the (increasingly few) surviving pubs nearby.
“Now even this great feature of London life looks set to be no more.”
It has been suggested that, as our carnivorous habits fall into decline, there is no longer any need for a specialised meat market such as Smithfield. Perhaps it will do us all good to find vegan substitutes somewhere else, probably in some hipster enclave of Stoke Newington or similar. But this isn’t good enough. Smithfield is not just a commercial enterprise; it’s an authentic part of traditional London. This history is disappearing rapidly year by year. Instead, London is being homogenised into a bland, identikit global city that features the same shops, entertainment outlets and brand names as any other major urban centre. The decision to
shut Smithfield is nothing less than a desecration of London’s individual history and traditions.
People will care, of course. There will be an outcry, and probably a petition. The City of London Corporation will put out a press release or two, and count the days off until 2028, when this is no longer their responsibility. But the game is now up, unless a miracle of some kind happens.
Shutting Smithfield is a tragedy, not just for discerning carnivores who actually care about the provenance and welfare of the meat that they eat, but for anyone who has personal or emotional investment in a city that is being sold off to the highest bidder piece by piece. Moving the market to Dagenham would have, at least, been something, but with this option off the table, another slice of tradition has been besmirched. London will forever be poorer for its absence.
Alexander Larman, The Spectator • Smithfield Market
Quality and provenance key for traditional meat specialists
Family
farmers supplying The Farmers Club Restaurant
say
customer satisfaction
is a
priority write Johann Tasker & Paul Hogben
A 24-year-old Essex farmer who started his own smallscale pig enterprise is rearing high-welfare pork served in the Farmers Club restaurant. Lewis Craig graduated from Harper Adams two years ago, returning home to farm in partnership with his father Robert, near Halstead. Today, he rears about 150 pigs annually on straw bedding at FitzJohn’s Farm, Great Maplestead.
“I’ve always enjoyed pigs,” says Lewis, who studied straight agriculture at Harper. “I was keeping them on a ‘bed and breakfast’ contract but after a placement year on an arable and pig farm, I decided to breed my own and sell them deadweight.”
The pigs are Large White X Pietrain, although Lewis also keeps a Large White boar to maintain a purebred pedigree line, with a target of 25-30 replacement gilts by the end of 2025 to expand production while remaining small-scale.
High Welfare
“Our driving factor is high-welfare pigs producing highquality pork,” he says. “They do well on straw and remain on straw beds throughout their life. It’s good for fibre and easier to manage, and cleaner too, especially in winter.”
Deadweight pigs go to the Rare Breed Meat Company, owned and run by father and son team Howard and George Blackwell, just a few miles up the road at Heron’s Farm, part of the Marks Hall Estate, near Coggeshall.
Farmers themselves, Howard and George supply free-range meat, including rare breed and traditionally reared beef, lamb, pork, poultry and game, to some of the UK’s best restaurants and butchers, including The Farmers Club.
“We started with 50 turkeys and 13 geese in 1983, selling direct to consumers,” says Howard. “We plucked them ourselves and it all seemed to go well, so the following year we doubled up and then doubled up again.”
As word spread, Howard began supplying butchers in London, gaining an early introduction to Harvey Nichols. The introduction of bronze turkeys led to a significant expansion, including free-range birds for the Christmas market.
Traditional Methods
After Howard started supplying Gloucester Old Spots pork in 1995, the focus gradually shifted to rare breeds and the delivery of a wider range of meat, initially wholesaled to butchers and then to restaurants.
Howard Blackwell – Farmer at heart
Lewis Craig Howard Blackwell
Traditional Meat • Johann Tasker & Paul Hogben
Today, the Rare Breed Meat Company is a hugely important route to market for many family farms in the local area, ensuring small-scale livestock producers receive a fair price for meat reared using traditional husbandry methods.
A fleet of 10 small vans makes daily deliveries into London as well as across Essex, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
The family also has Blackwells Farm Shop – including a butchery counter, with online sales forming a core part of the business.
The arable side of the farm extends to some 160ha (400 acres), most of which is wheat and borage, with diversification into agri-environment schemes like wild bird mixtures, pollen nectar strips, and hedgerow management.
Local Produce
Honey from bees foraging on the borage is sold in the farm shop alongside a host of locally produced food and drink, from fruit juices and preserves to fresh fruit and vegetables, home-made pies, sausage rolls and ready meals.
The butchery counter sells a range of locally produced meats, such as salt marsh lamb, free range pork, traditionally bred beef, duck, venison and game, with customers able to choose from a wide selection of niche products too.
A substantial employer locally, the Rare Breed Meat Company has about 40 staff while supporting dozens of family farmers and food producers. More than 90% of the produce is sourced within 30 miles of the farm, says Howard.
“We are not organic, that is not what we are about”, he explains.“We are about provenance, and we fervently believe in the quality of the meat produced from these animals that have been reared in totally free-range environments and fed only on natural foods.”
Customer feedback is first class. “It’s all about the wow factor. The whole team works really hard to make sure customers are happy and it’s good to know we are doing a good job, and that people appreciate what we do.”
Traceability
All Blackwell suppliers adhere to very high animal husbandry standards, adds Howard. “This means restaurants, butchers and our farm shop customers can all be certain that everything they purchase has complete traceability.”
Back at FitzJohn’s Farm, Lewis says this approach and attention to detail brings wider benefits for local farmers too. That’s important for everyone in the supply chain, from farm to fork, he says.
“As a small producer, we are competing on quality, rather than price alone. Good customers are willing to pay for quality, and working with Howard ensures we get a fair return as farmers.”
Onto the Plate
On the Farmers Club Restaurant Menus from October to February we have sourced Partridge and Pheasant shot on Marks Hall Estate where the farm is located. Various cuts of pork originate from Lewis Craig at FitzJohn’s Farm and our lightly smoked collar steaks and belly joints and locally sourced duck and chicken on our menus are also sourced from Herons Farm. The feedback we have received from Members has been incredible and we have developed a strong relationship with many of our suppliers, as can be seen here. Enjoy
Pork Belly, Squash Puree, Lentils & Smoked Bacon
Pork Belly
Pork Tomahawk
Johann Tasker & Paul Hogben • Rare Traditional
Farming Figures
A look at… a range of topical farming issues… told through a variety of poignant statistics
£110m
Annual cost of farm fires, up 37% in 2023
250,000 protestors
Potential attendance at Spring Inheritance Tax March in London if policy remains
27% less methane
Claim for dairy feed additive Bovaer
£400m
Fund for tree planting taskforce 2024-2026
40% of farmers
Rated weather as 2024’s greatest challenge, double the 20% blaming Government policy
40% JUMP
Expected rise in wheat imports, to highest for 12 years, after 2.75mt harvest slump
6 tonnes
Illegal meat imports seized in 14 hour Dover operation, including pork from Romania where African swine fever is prevalent
7130 dairy farmers
Low ebb as another 440 milk producers left sector across GB in year to Apr 2024
854 years
Smithfield meat market’s activity in City of London, from 1174 to likely close in 2028
969 fatalities
Rural road deaths in 2023, 70% more than urban roads and 11.5 times motorways
Sources: NFU Mutual, Arla, Defra, Pigworld, FWi, FG, AHDB, BBC, Dept of Transport
Golf Society
Twenty four members, guests and Border golfers attended the final meeting of the year at Alwoodley and Seaton Carew Golf Clubs writes Golf Secretary, Martin Shaw
Considering the clocks had gone back we enjoyed two great days of golf in good conditions. Neil Stoddard and Eugene Reddington hosted us at Alwoodley where the “Northern Members” enjoyed a 4.2 victory.
Overnight was spent in North Allerton where Norman Bagley hosted an enjoyable evening at the Crathorne Arms and was again host at Seaton Carew, where the Northern members again prevailed by a 3½ - 2½ margin.
My thanks to all members who have played during 2024 and supported Captain Charlie Wylie who has now completed his two years of Captaincy.
David Rose takes over as Society Captain in 2025 and looks forward to welcoming members new and old during the coming season.
We really do have an exceptional list of matches and meetings arranged at venues around the country. New members wishing to play and receive golf related updates should contact Martin Shaw at martin.edwardswale@gmail.com
Alwoodley Golf Club Gareth Baird, Allan Stevenson, Charlie Wylie, David Partridge
Seaton Carew Golf Club Steve Ward, David Partridge, Fraser McClung, Andrew Fallows
Alwoodley Golf Club Fraser McClung, Eugene Reddington, Simon Partridge, David Reading
And just like that, 2025 has arrived!
From the British Social Season to the sporting calendar, and the pomp and ceremony of Royal engagements and displays, there is so much to look forward to in the year ahead. Many of the following events take place in London, making The Club an ideal ‘home away from home’. Moreover, its convenient location near major transportation routes makes it perfect for both London-based visits and days out further afield.
As always, Zsofia and I are here to arrange all aspects of your stay, perhaps even including some of your favourite Farmer’s Club treats to take with you. It’s worth noting that many of these events offer ‘early bird’ tickets, so please let us know if we can assist with sourcing tickets for you.
Here are just some of the events in store for us all this year in and around London:
Six Nations Rugby: 31st January – 15th March
The Cheltenham Festival: 11th – 14th March
St Patrick’s Day Festival: 16th March in Trafalgar Square
London Games Festival: 2nd – 13th April
The Grand National at Aintree: 3rd – 5th April
The Boat Race: 13th April
Salon Privé: 10th – 12th April
London Marathon: 27th April
Royal Windsor Horse Show: 15th – 18th May
Badminton Horse Trials: 7th – 11th May
The Adobe Women’s FA Cup: 8th May 2025
Glyndebourne Festival: 16th – 24th August
The FA Cup Final: 17th May
Chelsea Flower Show: 20th – 25th May
London Gallery Weekend: 6th – 8th June
London Open Gardens: 7th & 8th June
Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final: 14th June
The Betfred Derby Festival 2025: 6th – 7th June
Chesterton’s Polo in the Park: 6th – 8th June
Trooping the Colour:
The King’s Birthday Parade: 15th June
Royal Ascot: 17th – 21st June
Glastonbury Festival: 25th – 29th June
Wimbledon Championships: 30th June – 13th July
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: 1st – 6th July
BBC Proms: 1st July – 13th September
Pride in London: 5th July
Henley Royal Regatta: 1st – 6th July
British Grand Prix: 3rd – 6th July
RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival: 3rd – 6th July
ABB FIA Formula E World Championship: 26th – 27th July
Qatar Goodwood Festival: 29th July – 2nd August
London Athletics Meet: 19th July
The Game Fair: 25th – 27th July
Notting Hill Carnival: 23rd – 25th August
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials: 4th – 7th September
BMW PGA, Wentworth: 9th – 14th September
In addition to these annual national events, there will be many more on The Club’s Calendar of Events for 2025 (take a sneak peek at this Journal’s Back Page!), and be sure to keep an eye out for my Craig’s Corner Newsletters.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year, and I look forward to helping you and your family create wonderful memories in the months ahead.
Craig Godfrey-Swanney Member Experience Manager
Craig Godfrey-Swanney • Member Experience Manager
Jelle On Wine
Dear Members,
As you obviously know, I like a glass of wine or two, and look after the wine list here at The Club. Having written several articles about a wide range of topics relating to wine, I thought it might be interesting to write a bit about the British Wine Industry in general and especially what happened in 2024.
2024 was not the easiest year for producers at all here in Britain but also throughout Europe. Our good old friend the weather decided to make things testing, to say the least. We have had frost, heavy rain, storms and periods of drought which all combined resulted in a significant drop in production. To give you an idea in Britain over a 10-year average the production is about 10 million bottles per year, for 2024 the production is estimated between 6 to 7 million bottles which is quite a drop. In other countries it is a similar story, the world’s biggest producer Italy saw a 13% drop on a 5-year average, and France had a 23% decline which is the lowest in years.
Luckily not all is lost as 2023 was a record year in terms of production in Britain (21.6M bottles) which helped reduce the shortfall and the knowledge and skills in the British vineyards, made sure the small harvest was at least of good quality. If you compare where the industry was 10/15 years ago and where it is now, the change has been remarkable. The industry has gone from strength to strength and now has the resilience and knowhow to deal with challenging years like 2024.
Now with all this reduced production, I can hear you think about what this will do in terms of the price I pay for a bottle of wine, my honest answer, I am not sure. Yes, 2023 was a record year but 2024 definitely doesn’t help as the production drop is significant. Considering the rising costs (when is it going to stop!!) and the “new” Alcohol Duty that comes into full effect on the 1st February (In a nutshell: the higher the alcohol percentage the higher the duty will be). I do suspect a rise in pricing, but I am far from an expert so we will have to wait and see, I guess. Fingers Crossed!!
If you are interested in reading more about the British Wine Industry, the source I used was the website from WineGB, which is an excellent organisation representing the British Wine Industry.
Cheers!
Jelle
I hope you have found this interesting. Do feel free to email me at fandbmanager@thefarmersclub.com with any questions or queries.
The Farmers Club Approach to Food Allergen Legislation
There is a range of food health and safety legislation affecting restaurants, cafés and other food vendors in the UK, which includes guidance and requirements for handling, serving and sharing information about food allergens. A recent addition to these allergen laws was ‘Natasha’s Law’, which changed the way that pre-packed for direct sale (PPDS) food products were labelled and sold.
‘Natasha’s Law’ was introduced after a fifteen-year-old girl, Natasha, died in 2016 after eating a product containing sesame seeds because she wasn’t aware that they were an ingredient. Her family campaigned to improve the way that PPDS products were labelled by retailers and successfully changed the legal requirements for allergen labelling as a result.
‘Owen’s Law’ has a sadly similar backstory of a young person suffering a fatal allergic reaction after consuming something they were allergic to that hadn’t been correctly signposted as containing allergens. Whilst this law hasn’t yet been passed, recent support from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) means that it is becoming increasingly likely that changes may be made to allergen laws in the near future.
You might have noticed whilst on holidays or business travels that some continental eateries have started using a numbered code to identify possible allergen products on their menus.
From January this year, The Club has added coded letters to all of our food offerings on the Menus with an allergen code to clearly let you know what is in each dish we produce. At present there isn’t a pan-industry defined methodology to display allergens on menus as there is on food packaging but we are trying to make everyone aware of possible allergens in what we produce for you by coding each dish on our menus, be it in the Restaurant, Bar, or for a business meeting or dining function.
We are doing this to get ahead of new legislation that will be coming into force in both the UK and Europe but also allows our Members and Guests to clearly view what possible allergens are in each dish.
I look forward to seeing you at The Club and in the Restaurant and I am very happy to explain further to Members.
Chef
Throughout our Club menus you will find an allergen code highlighted below which will hopefully make your decisions on what you eat easier to make.
CLUB ALLERGEN CODE
P = Peanut N = Nuts Se = Sesame Seeds
Mo = Molluscs F = Fish E = Eggs
So = Soy Bean S = Shellfish
D = Dairy C = Celery
M = Mustard Su = Sulphites
L = Lupin G = Gluten
Paul Hogben • Head Chef & Director of Food
Chairman’s Jottings
Ben Barton, Under 35s Chair 2025
c/o The Farmers Club • 020 7930 3557 • generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com
Dear Members,
I’d like to introduce myself as your new U35s Chairman; my name is Ben Barton, and I am from Cirencester, where my father farms on our small family farm. One day, I hope to return as the fourth generation, though whether that will happen with the current government’s stance on IHT remains to be seen! At present, I live and work in Surrey, where I look after a herd of Hereford and pure Wagyu suckler cattle, alongside some gamekeeping to keep me busy.
I joined The Farmers Club in 2017 and have been an active member ever since. Having gained so much from the U35s, I wanted to give something back before I age out of eligibility. I joined the U35 Committee in 2023 and, having worked my way up to Chairman, I hope to achieve this goal.
2025 has started off well with a trip to OFC, alongside Didi Wheeler and Karen Mercer, where we met our 2024 OFC U35s scholar, Edward Mayell, as well as many other wonderful people. It was a
fantastic three days, and for those who are eligible, I strongly encourage you to keep an eye out for the scholarship we are offering later this year for OFC 2026.
Not long after returning, I discovered that our first U35s event of the year is nearly sold out, with only one ticket remaining out of a maximum of 82. This will likely be one of, if not the, highestattended u35s events in The Club’s history, and this success is thanks in large part to the hard work of previous chairs and committees, who have helped build our sector of The Club from strength to strength. I’m hopeful that this year will continue to be as successful as previous ones.
We have plenty of exciting events planned, including our traditional dinners, farm walks, and regional day trips throughout the year. In addition, we’re planning a trip to Ascot Races and will be taking a hospitality box, a dinner at a reciprocal club outside of London, and a return invite to the Caledonian Club for a dinner and ceilidh, among other events. Keep your eyes peeled for
U35s Festive Dinner
when tickets for these events go on sale, you won’t want to miss out! If you have suggestions for interesting places to visit or ideas for social events, please feel free to get in touch. We’ll do our best to make it happen.
We sadly bid farewell to Emily Pile, our immediate past Chair. Emily did an excellent job chairing the U35s and has been a great committee member; ‘thank you again, Emily’. We also welcome three new committee members: Emily Goldsworthy, Gini Hope, and William Sapsford. The rest of the u35s committee and I are excited to work alongside you.
This year will undoubtedly fly by, and while I enjoy my time as Chairman, I look forward to meeting more of you, building on the friendships I’ve made over the last eight years, and, of course, forming new ones. I plan to enjoy this year to the fullest, and I hope to see as many of you as possible joining me.
Many thanks, Ben Barton
The Christmas period is often associated with good food, pleasant company and plenty to drink, and the Under 35s Festive Dinner lived up to this expectation. As with other Farmers Club dinners, the excitement begins with dusting off dinner jackets and glamorous dresses and embarking upon the journey to London. Chef wowed us with a fantastic menu including a tasty venison main course, which provided the perfect setting to catch up with friends old and new. The Festive Dinner marked Andrew Court’s last dinner as Chairman before handing the reigns over to Ben Barton and his Vice-Chair Harriet Sylvester. Andrew was thanked for all he has done over the course of the last year, ensuring that the Under 35s continues to go from strength to strength.
We were fortunate to be joined by award-winning guest speaker Tim Parton who provided insights into how he has successfully introduced ‘regenerative’ farming practices on his arable farm, maintaining impressive yields with very low artificial inputs. This ended the formalities of the evening and was shortly followed by everyone donning headsets for the silent disco. With three different channels to choose from and plenty of enthusiastic dance moves, the silent disco was certainly a hit with all. For the more energetic of us, the boogying continued into the early hours of the morning at The Piano Works bar in Covent Garden.
Many attending the Festive Dinner live outside of London and therefore stayed at the Farmers Club, making the most of the full club experience. This included indulging in the full range of continental breakfast options, and a Full English to aid with the varying levels of tiredness from an active evening the night before. The Festive Dinner brought 2024 to an end in style with all attendees very much looking forward to the next formal dinner.
Peter Cox
Chairman; Harriet Sylvester, Vice Chairman
Clay Shooting Storm Darragh Style!
On the first Saturday of December, the U35s braved Storm Darragh and travelled to the Cotswolds for the simulated game clay shoot, kindly hosted by Ben Barton, the new U35s Chairman and his family on their farm near Cirencester. Numbering 20 guns on 10 pegs (plus a handful of spectators) we took turns shooting and loading for each other throughout the morning. Unfortunately, due to the storm the original plan of walking around the farm simulating 4 different ‘drives’ had to be modified into moving ourselves and the clay traps around in a single location. But this was a decision well made and didn’t seem to stop us from having a great morning shooting.
It was hard to tell at times what kind of game bird the clays were simulating, as I’ve never seen a pheasant get caught in a gust of wind and start flying backwards mid-trajectory, but it did make for some challenging, and at some points, hilarious targets. There is nothing better than hitting a challenging clay and having absolutely no idea how you did it but feeling tremendous pride over your fluke, hoping your loader assumes it was skill.
Despite the wind, the day included a huge number of different targets, allowing everyone in the group, no matter their shooting experience, to enjoy themselves and hit something.
The day ended with the perfect remedy after a wet and windy day, a hearty stew by the fire at the local pub followed by sticky toffee pudding and great conversations.
As someone who attended the day alone, it was a great way to break the ice and meet some other members. And like a souvenir, having shot over 300 cartridges the bruise on my shoulder reminded me of the fun I had for many days after!
Robyn Gibbons
Ben Barton, Chairman; Harriet Sylvester, Vice Chairman • Under 35s
Farmers Club Member Myth Busters
All too often we hear of commonly held but incorrect information from Members. I hope that the following information helps to bust some of those false myths!
The Club has a Membership Waiting List.
No! There is no waiting list to join The Club. The numbers of Members have reduced over the years in line with the reduction in the Agricultural Sector.
So What? The Club works extremely hard to recruit new Members, but the best ‘recruiting sergeant’ for new Members is a current Member. Please introduce your friends and business associates to The Club if you believe they would like to enjoy the benefits of being a Member.
I can never get a Bedroom because The Club is always full!
No! There are bedrooms available throughout the year, we are only full in the run up to Christmas or with busy Club events. Last year The Club averaged 69% occupancy, and 5,928 bedrooms were not booked.
So What? There are rooms available at The Club for you to use when either visiting for social or business reasons. Plan ahead and book early at every opportunity, by using the online service or send an email.
The Club is far too expensive!
No! The Club offers tremendous value to all its Members. The Club sits in the heart of London on the banks of the Thames; offering excellent food, service and facilities for Members from across the Agricultural Sector for remarkably low prices in comparison to other Clubs, Hotels and Restaurants.
I can’t apply to join The Club as I don’t have 2 sponsors.
No! If you don’t have two sponsors (proposer and seconder), the Membership application process still allows you to apply. Representatives from the Membership SubCommittee will get in touch with a view to sponsoring the application.
So What? Always contact Jez Scholfield, on HdM&C@thefarmersclub.com concerning Membership applications.
Family Members aren’t permitted to sponsor a Membership Application.
No! Family Members can sponsor family Members; and you don’t need to have been a Member for a certain period of time to be able to sponsor and application.
So What? Don’t delay, get on and support that application today.
Frustratingly all Club Events go to ballots, and I have to wait for the draw before I know I can attend!
No! We no longer use ballots for event registration. Members can book directly onto the vast majority of all our events. If a Club Event is oversubscribed, we simply put on another Event on another day to accommodate everyone.
So What? This allows you to book transport early and plan your trip with confidence, knowing you won’t have to wait for a lottery outcome.
The Member Experience Team (Craig & Zsofia) only look after Club Events.
No! While the Member Experience Team does manage Club Events, Craig & Zsofia also offer a bespoke service where they can provide local suggestions and book tickets on your behalf for a wide range of activities and events in London.
So What? This means that you can rely on The Club (Craig & Zsofia) to help plan your entire visit to London, whether for Club events or exploring everything London has to offer, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. Where we can pick up reduced cost tickets, we pass them onto you at the same price.
I can’t bring friends to one of our Club Events, because they aren’t Members.
No! Members are welcome to bring guests to Club Events.
So What? This means you can share The Club experience with your friends and colleagues, enjoying the benefits of Membership together, even if they are not members themselves. Maybe your friends should join The Club too?
I don’t have an online account to the Members Area on The Club Website, so I can’t book events.
No! The Membership Lead, Jez Scholfield (HdM&C@thefarmersclub.com) can grant you access to the Members Area of The Club Website, where you can book accommodation, register for events, and pay invoices.
So What? This makes managing your Membership and bookings easier, giving you full control over your account and streamlining your experience with The Club.
The Club has a very rigid dress code at all times; no smart casual dress is permitted.
No! While The Club has a dress code, it is flexible and accommodates various needs. Smart casual dress is permitted every morning, Monday to Thursday until 10 am, and all-day Friday through the weekend until 10 am on Monday. A relaxed summer dress code applies during the month of August.
So What? This allows you to dress comfortably while still maintaining a standard of style that suits the occasion.
For membership applications contact Jez Scholfield, on HdM&C@thefarmersclub.com
RECIPROCAL CLUBS
The Club has reciprocal arrangements with the following clubs. Members wishing to use any of the facilities for the named Clubs need to obtain an introductory card from the General Office (generaloffice@thefarmersclub. com) prior to their visit.
UK: City Livery Club, London (No beds); Bury St Edmunds & Farmers Club (No beds); Northern Counties Club; The New Club, Edinburgh; The Royal Scots Club, Edinburgh.
Ireland: The Royal Dublin Society, Dublin (No beds); St Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club, Dublin.
Africa: The Muthaiga Club, Kenya (Temp membership payable).
Australia: The Queensland Club, Brisbane; The Australian Club, Melbourne, The Geelong Club, Victoria.
New Zealand: The Canterbury Club, Christchurch; The Christchurch Club, Christchurch.
Deaths
It is with regret that we announce the death of the following members:
Mr Ian Northern Bedfordshire
Mr Jack Denbin Berkshire
Sir Martyn Evans-Bevan Channel Islands
Dr Richard Wurster Cheshire
Mr Bryan Littlewood Essex
Mr John Parker Hampshire
Mr John Curry CBE Hampshire
Mr Simon Harris Hampshire
Mrs Margrit Sellers Kent
Mr Charles Sercombe Leicestershire
Mr David Thomson Roxburghshire
Mr Nicholas Fiske Suffolk
Mrs Susan Kilpatrick OBE Surrey
Mr James St George Sussex
Mr Scott Findlay Yorkshire
New Members
The following were elected: UK Members
Miss L Ibbotson Derbyshire
Mrs A Windsor-Clive Leeds
Dr M Jordon Leeds
Mr B Stafford Leeds
Mr T James Worcestershire
Overseas
Mrs CJ Carter USA
U35s
Mr JJ Lelliott West Sussex
Mr C Horne Buckinghamshire
Mr H Cavenagh Carmarthenshire
Miss A Hills Lancashire
Miss H Pollock Surrey
Mrs E Eayrs Cambridgeshire
Club Information
Office Holders
HONORARY VICE PRESIDENTS
Barclay Forrest OBE, Sir Mark Hudson KCVO, Peter Jackson CBE, Paul Heygate OBE
THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CLUB 2025
VICE PRESIDENTS
Julian Sayers MBE DL, Nicki Quayle
PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN
Karen Mercer
TRUSTEES
Tim Bennett (Chairman), John Lee OBE DL, Jimmy McLean, Keith Redpath
VICE-CHAIRMAN
Christopher Riddle
HONORARY TREASURER
John Hardman
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN
Meurig Raymond CBL DL
CHIEF EXECUTIVE & CLUB SECRETARY
Didi Wheeler
CLUB CHAPLAIN
The Reverend Dr Sam Wells COMMITTEE
Elected 2022 to serve from 2023 to 2025 inclusive: Sue Bullock (re-elected), Sarah Cowlrick (re-elected), Sophie Dwerryhouse, Nick Green (co-opted), Lindsay Hargreaves, John Wilson
Elected 2023 to serve from 2024 to 2026 inclusive: Anthony Snell (re-elected), Bill Young, Peter Jackson, John Henning OBE
Elected 2024 to serve from 2025 to 2027 inclusive: Edward Barker, Stephen Butler (re-elected), Belinda Gladwin, Tory Manuel, Tric Parrott Co-opted: Nick Green (Chairman, FCCT), Ben Barton (Chairman Under 35s), Harriet Sylvester (Vice Chair Under 35s) Ed Whattoff (Under 35s)
THE FARMERS CLUB CHARITABLE
TRUST TRUSTEES
Nick Green (Chairman), Theresa Howe, Des Lambert OBE, Dr Jenna Ross OBE, James Squier, Christine Tacon CBE, Meryl Ward MBE, The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of The Club (ex officio). Patron Mrs Stella Muddiman
THE FARMERS CLUB JOURNAL
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Club Contacts
THE FARMERS CLUB
Serving the farming industry for over 180 years
3 Whitehall Court, London
Chairman 2025: Karen Mercer
Chief Executive & Club Secretary: Didi Wheeler
Club Email: generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com
Bedroom Reservations
020 7930 3557 ext 204 or Option 4 reservations@thefarmersclub.com
Restaurant Reservations 020 7930 3557 Option 3 restaurant@thefarmersclub.com
Conference & Banqueting 020 7925 7100 functions@thefarmersclub.com
Member Experience Department 020 7930 3751
General; memexpmanager@thefarmersclub.com
Club Events; memexpcoordinator@thefarmersclub.com
Reception
020 7930 3557 ext 200, 201 or Option 2 reception@thefarmersclub.com
Membership 020 7925 7094
membership@thefarmersclub.com
Finance
020 7930 3557 ext 221 or Option 8 financialcontroller@thefarmersclub.com
General Office 020 7930 3751
generaloffice@thefarmersclub.com
Whitehall Court Porters 020 7930 3160
Fax 020 7839 7864
Website: www.thefarmersclub.com
@TheFarmersClub
The Farmers Club Page @the_farmers_club
Forthcoming Club Events & Dates for Your Diary
These Club events are available to book on-line at www.thefarmersclub.com
February 2025
7th U35s New Chairman’s Dinner
11th Two Temple Palace Building Tour
12th Royal Hospital Chelsea Tour
14th Valentine’s Day Black Tie Dinner with Burlesque Entertainment
20th Port Wine Tasting (by School of Port)
March 2025
21st U35s Women in Agriculture Dinner
21st Big Ben Tour
21st The Ultimate Newmarket Experience: Training grounds, behind the scenes, National Stud Tour, National Horseracing Museum
26th Foraging with Flavour Fred – 1st event in the series – Foraging in Surrey with Special Lunch at The Club
27th Visit to Royal Mews
Date TBC Greenwich Daytrip: Thames Barrier & Old Royal Naval College
Date TBC Brugal 1888 Rum Tasting Event with bespoke cocktail
April 2025
11th U35s Spring Dinner
17th Edwardians: Age of Elegance Talk & Tour at the King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
23rd St George’s Day Lunch: Speaker Robbie Moore MP 24th Book Club, “The Last Para” by Stuart Tootal & John Humphreys
28h MEL. Speaker: George Dunn (TFA)
Date TBC Mudlarking
Date TBC Cartier Exhibition Visit at the V&A, with Talk from the curator: Helen Molesworth Book Club: “Precious” by Helen Molesworth (combined event)
Date TBC The Farmers Club Food & Drink Series – Oysters & English Sparkling Wine (TBC)
May 2025
1st Chairman’s Legal Day Visit
8th The Pinnacle Awards & Dinner
13th Pre-Balmoral Show Dinner
14th Balmoral Show
15th Royal Windsor Horse Show
19th-21st Chairman’s Staffordshire Tour
22nd RHS Chelsea Flower Show
28th Staffordshire County Show
29th Suffolk Show Reception (Vice Chair in Attendance)
29th Foraging with Flavour Fred – 2nd event in the series
June 2025
5th
Chairman’s Farm Walk: Wiston Estate, West Sussex (Richard Goring)
11th Visit to Cereals Show, Lincolnshire
16th Pre Ascot Dinner, Speaker: Guy Henderson, former Ascot Chief Exec
17th
18th
19th
Royal Ascot
Eve of Royal Highland Show Dinner at The New Club
Royal Highland Show
20th U35s Summer Dinner
24th
25th
Chairman’s Farm Walk: PX Farms, Cambridge (James Peck)
Royal Norfolk Show Reception
July 2025
4th
6th
8th
15th
15th
16th
21st
23rd
Kent County Show and Reception
Henley Royal Regatta
Great Yorkshire Show and Reception
AGM, Buffet Lunch Reception and Guest Speaker
Early Dinner and Horse Guards Parade
Beating Retreat
Early Dinner and Horse Guards Parade
Beating Retreat
Royal Welsh Show and Reception
Chairman’s Farm Walk: Hanley Farm, Chepstow (Lyndon Edwards)
August 2025
14th
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
September 2025
5th
9th
10th
12th
Chairman’s Farm Walk: Stocks Farm, Hereford/Worcestershire (Ali Capper)
Honorary Members Lunch
Westmorland County Show and Reception
Hercules the Musical – Group Theatre Outing
13th Goodwood Revival
14th-19th Club Agri Tour to Netherlands
25th
Private Lecture by Christopher Garibaldi – former Director of National Horseracing Museum – on George Stubbs (The English Leonardo)
26th U35s Autumn Dinner
29th
Chairman’s Farm Walk: Harper Adams University, Newport (Ken Sloan)
October 2025
15th
Harvest Festival Service at SMIF & Club Supper
November 2025
4th
MEL. Speaker: Peter Craven
28th U35s Dinner
29th U35s AGM
December 2025
31st
New Year’s Eve Black Tie Dinner