Essex farmer Jim Strathern is new ATA chair

Producer group the Anglian Turkey Association (ATA) has elected Essex farmer Jim Strathern its new chairman.

Mr Strathern has been growing turkeys on his 530ha farm, near Birch, Essex, since 1959. During that time, turkey marketing has changed dramatically, he explained: “The retail trade has gone from selling all long-legged birds to the public, to now all oven-ready and cut-up birds.

“The emphasis has always been on the Christmas trade and maintaining the highest possible standard of quality,” he added.

Mr Strathern has been an ATA member for more than 20 years. He has also served as chairman of Colchester branch of the National Farmers’ Union and of Colchester Agricultural Club. He replaces previous chairman Philip Regan, and will serve a two-year term.

The Strathern family is arguably best known for potato growing and crisp manufacture at Wormingford, selling crisps under the Fairfields Farm Brand.

Also elected at the ATA’s annual general meeting earlier this year was Martin Shea, who becomes vice-chairman of the group. He joined the turkey industry in 1966 with Lancashire Turkeys.

After a career with British United Turkeys, Mr Shea set up Hockenhull Turkeys at Attleborough, Norfolk, as a producer and seller of premium quality turkey poultry for the traditional farm fresh market.