RABDF elects new chairman

Somerset farmer David Cotton has been elected to succeed Lyndon Edwards, who steps down after three years in office.

Mr Cotton said he was ‘delighted’ to be elected as chairman and pledged to ‘work hard to get a better deal for British dairy producers’.

He said improved dairy cow health and welfare would be high on his agenda. “I want to ensure that dairy farmers are better informed about the risk implications of importing cattle,” he said.

“I will also be calling for better management control of TB within all livestock herds throughout the UK, and continuing RABDF’s appeal for humane badger culling in high TB incidence areas.”

He also spoke of his desire to ensure a successful transition of RABDF’s Dairy Event and Livestock Show to its new venue at the NEC.

Mr Cotton, who has served as RABDF vice chairman for the past three years, farms a 160-cow unit in a family partnership at West Bradley, Glastonbury, Somerset. The farm is also home to the Kingshay Farming Trust and hosts a variety of field and cubicle trials.

He has a wealth of other experience, including being a member of the Institute of Agricultural Management, a council member of Milk Link, and local branch NFU chairman.

Lancashire farmer Ian Macalpine, who farms a 200 cow pedigree Jersey herd at Clitheroe, has been elected to replace Mr Cotton as vice chairman.

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