Tributes paid to dairy farmer David Brookes

NFU dairy board chair Paul Tompkins described Mr Brookes as a ‘larger-than-life’ character

Alex Black
clock • 1 min read
Tributes paid to dairy farmer David Brookes

Tributes have been paid to dairy farmer and NFU dairy board member David Brookes, who has died aged 65.

NFU dairy board chair Paul Tompkins said: "David was a larger-than-life character whose passion and enthusiasm for farming and the dairy sector in particular was unrivalled. He will be greatly missed.

READ NOW: Dairy Talk - Paul Tompkins: "I am confident that we are finally on the right path to building a stronger, more resilient future for the UK dairy sector"

"I was lucky enough to count David as a friend after first meeting him nearly 10 years ago when he was quick to offer me guidance and support. His wisdom helped steer the dairy sector though some challenging times including the SOS Dairy campaign. 

"He was rightly proud of his achievements at Lower Loxley and when I visited the farm, I was always impressed by his focus on the future of dairy production.

"David was also a family man and always put great emphasis on the importance of multi-generational farming.

READ NOW: Latest milk prices for dairy farmers

"I know his untimely death will come as a great shock and I pass on my condolences to his wife Brenda and all his family and friends at this difficult time."

More on Dairy

Milk volumes continue to grow as highest volume logged in January on record

Milk volumes continue to grow as highest volume logged in January on record

New AHDB insights show production for this milk year so far (April-January) has reached 10,913 million litres, up 5.2% compared to the same period in the previous milk year

clock 15 February 2026 • 1 min read
Dairy-Tech: Making time to talk

Dairy-Tech: Making time to talk

A lunchtime meeting that lasts just 1% of the working week is essential in making sure the other 99% runs smoothly at Major Farming, near Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire

Jonathan Wheeler
clock 13 February 2026 • 2 min read
Dairy-Tech: Consider an early turnout

Dairy-Tech: Consider an early turnout

Turning cows out early – if only for part of the day – could help dairy farmers deal with the twin pressures of dwindling forage stocks and falling milk prices, said Tony Evans of Andersons

Jonathan Wheeler
clock 13 February 2026 • 2 min read