Tom Bradshaw wins second term as NFU president

Tom Bradshaw has been elected as NFU president for a second term, reaffirming confidence in his leadership during a challenging period for British agriculture.

Mr Bradshaw, a fourth-generation arable farmer from Essex who first assumed the NFU’s top office in February 2024, will continue to spearhead the union’s work on food security, trade and environmental policy.

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He won out in a two-way battle with David Exwood, a mixed farmer from West Sussex, who also relinquished his deputy president role to Yorkshire dairy farmer Paul Tompkins.

North Yorkshire dairy farmer Mr Tompkins, the current NFU Dairy Board chairman, brings extensive experience of dairy sector challenges and supply chain fairness at a time when producers are grappling with falling milk prices.

Robyn Munt, a fifth-generation beef, sheep and arable farmer, who is also a farm consultant and NFU Isle of Wight county chairman, was elected as vice-president, replacing former incumbent Rachel Hallos.

Mr Bradshaw’s re-election will be viewed by many as an endorsement of the union’s strategy under his leadership, including the successful campaign to secure significant concessions from government over its farm inheritance tax policies.

Mr Tompkins said: “It’s an incredible privilege to be elected as deputy president.

“I’m looking forward to spending a bit of time to get to know Tom and Robyn better, gel together as a team.

“And deliver for farming members at what is undoubtedly a difficult time, but also a time that’s bursting with opportunity.”

Ms Munt said: “I think we’re coming off the back of a really positive conference.

“The buzz that left that room after Tom’s final session was tangible.

“It was a fantastic thing to leave behind, and I think that’s a great platform for us to move forward as a team.”