Anyone who has been around agriculture a while will remember Steven Bullock with affection. He sadly died recently but memories of his contribution to farming will be remembered for years to come.
In the days when Farmers Weekly used to manage farms, Steven Bullock was an immensely important figure. He was managing director of this business for 25 years between 1963-1988 and at one point was responsible for a group of nine farms.
Our publisher had set up these farms across the Uk and Northern France as a test bed for innovation and to demonstrate best practice in a range of locations and environments. Nowadays, we do this through our farmer focus and barometer writers, plus initiatives like the Farmers Weekly Awards. The idea was that we would report back regularly in the magazine on the activities, progress and problems on farm warts and all.
Steven's role in managing the business coincded with an era dubbed the second agricultural revolution. It was a period which experienced a rapid uptake of science based innovations which changed farming methods and increased productivity. How times have changed.
In 1988 Steven Bullock moved on to take over as Director of the Nuffield Farming Scholarships organisation. That legacy continues today as Steven and his wife Gill generously kickstarted an Award scheme for former scholars who have best applied their learning into business life. The Steven and Gillian Bullock Award began in 2007 and Farmers Weekly is happy to be involved in helping select the winners each year.
Steven had many other links with agricultural. He was a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, a member of the Royal Agricultural Society, the Farmers Club, a chairman of the Sussex Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and the Mid Sussex Farm Management Discussion Group.
Steven lived with his wife Gillian at East Holme Farm, Maresfield, East Sussex. He is survived by Gillian, his two children and many grandchildren. He was a quiet unassuming and sincere man who played a pivotal role in British agriculture.
I'd like to thank John Stones, Director of Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust, for his help in putting this obituary together.