Tim Downes becomes RABDF chair
Tim Downes has taken over as chair of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers after being elected at the organisation’s meeting in October. His appointment gives him a three-year term leading the association.
Mr Downes farms at Longnor, near Shrewsbury, in Shropshire. He succeeds Robert Craig, a farmer from Cumbria, whose term as chair has ended.
Mr Downes said he was “excited to take the helm of RABDF at such an important time for the organisation and the wider dairy sector”. He said he was especially looking forward to the planned launch of the association’s new strategy and membership offer.
He also said he intended to work with RABDF’s team, trustees, office holders and members “to really deliver for dairy farmers over the next three years”.
Mr Downes is a Nuffield Scholar and supports the Nuffield Dairy Scholars team. He is also a member of the Dairy Science Forum.
He farms organically with his wife, Louise, and his parents, John and Chris. The farm covers more than 330 hectares and milks about 300 crossbred cows.
Four new trustees have joined the RABDF board: dairy consultant Jo Speed, Grosvenor Farms manager David Craven, first-generation farmer Howell Richards and Scottish industry professional Richard Beattie.
