Wolds farmer is county's new NFU delegate

Belchford farmer and Louth Tractors owner John Smith has taken on the role of Lincolnshire NFU's council delegate.
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He takes over from Jonathan Brant, who spent eight years in the position.

Mr Smith farms as part of a family business and acquired Louth Tractors in 2011.

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As well producing wheat, barley, oilseedrape and sugarbeet on owned, tenanted and contracted acres, Mr Smith’s Belchford base is also home to an Aberdeen Angus suckler herd and an oilseed rape storage facility.

Mr Smith has twice been Louth, Grimsby and Market Rasen NFU branch chairman and has enjoyed his involvement with the NFU.

On taking up his new post as council delegate, Mr Smith said: “During my time as council delegate, I want to raise the profile of Lincolnshire at a national level, ensuring that our farmers’ and growers’ voices are heard on the issues that matter to them.

“I want to encourage all members and branches to engage in debate and decision and in return I hope to communicate effectively the discussions and decision which have taken place at council.

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“Most of all, I want to be part of a team engaged in farming’s biggest change for a generation.”

Mr Smith also acquired Louth Tractors in 2011 following the closure of the business after 35 years of trading.

He said: “This was a major change of direction for us.

“When we re-opened the doors in February 2011 we could never have imagined the trajectory which has taken us to an additional depot at Great Limber and 20 staff.

We strongly believe in a service based business and will not offer any brand we would not use on our own farms.”

Mr Smith also expressed his thanks to Jonathan Brant for ‘his dedication to representing members on the national stage’.

He concluded: “I will do my very best to carry on his excellent work.”