The Farmers Mart Jun/Jul 2015 - Issue 40 | Page 11

Farm News New chair and vicechair for BWMB »»Northern Ireland farmer, Ian Buchanan has been elected as the new chairman of the British Wool Marketing Board, with Kent-based Trevor Richards elected vice-chairman. Mr Buchanan who farms at Dungiven, Co Londonderry, runs 850 ewes on the family farm, as well as having a dairy farm close by. He says his focus for BWMB under his chairmanship is to lead a Board where communication from producers through to customers is open and transparent. “We must be mindful of the need to keep overhead costs at a minimum while maximising the value of farmers’ wool. “I am confident that BWMB, which in essence is a farmers’ cooperative, will continue to earn the respect and appreciation of most sheep farmers as it has proven time and again the financial advantages of producers standing together,” he explains. A self professed ‘people person’ Mr Buchanan says he is looking forward to meeting many wool producers at events in the coming months. “Many farmers don’t fully understand how BWMB operates and what happens to their wool once it has left the farm. Hopefully, by helping farmers better understand the Board and the wool supply chain everyone can benefit.” Meanwhile, Trevor Richards runs 400 ewes alongside an arable enterprise which includes wheat, beans and oilseed rape. Ian Buchanan, new BWMB Chairman Trevor Richard’s new BWMB Vice Chairman Currently chairman of Ashford Cattle Market Company Ltd, he says he fully supports BWMB’s use of auctions as the best way to maximise the clip value. “BWMB is a unique organisation and provides an excellent service. It does not matter whether you are a large or small producer or farm in northern Scotland or the far south west of England, BWMB is there to collect, grade and get the best price possible for your wool. That is truly unique in modern farming.” [email protected] A SIX YEAR SUCCESS STORY! »»Many people would say the past few years have been tough – but for agricultural merchant Craig Taylor, who heads up Taylor’s Agricultural (Northumberland) Ltd, they have been phenomenal! After gaining experience working for an agricultural supplies company, Craig – then 29 –started his own business, working out of a shed on land his farmer dad provided at the family farm, East Benridge Farm, Mitford near Morpeth. In year one, he hit £250,000 turnover and five years later, business is booming, Craig has paid for his equipment and stock and he’s expanded the equine side, added new ranges and taken on other work such as water pipes & construction. He now has one assistant and a secretary and is looking