NFU Norfolk adviser John Newton steps down after 30 years

NFU Norfolk county adviser John Newton is retiring at the end of January after a long career helping farmers on a wide range of issues, as well as leading on poultry matters across the region.

He started as an NFU group secretary in south Essex before taking on the role of assistant county secretary to NFU Norfolk.

After transferring to the East Anglia regional team at Newmarket, he also became secretary to the region’s two poultry committees.

His "keen interest" in the poultry sector led to a number of national roles, including becoming the NFU’s egg specialist.

Mr Newton left in 2003 to join agricultural consultancy and research body ADAS as a senior poultry consultant. 

But, after 11 years there, he returned to the NFU as Norfolk county adviser - completing the circle he started 30 years earlier.

“I have enjoyed my NFU career, particularly the time spent helping farmers in the UK’s most important farming county," he said.

"Probably the most rewarding part of my job has been getting a successful resolution to a problem that has been troubling an NFU member."

NFU Norfolk county adviser John Newton (right) is retiring after 30 years. He is pictured with farmer John Hunt supporting #buymyturkey day in 2019 (Image: NFU)

NFU regional board chairman and county representative Tony Bambridge praised Mr Newton for his professionalism, level-headedness and "dogged determination to ensure members’ views were recognised".

“John has served Norfolk’s farmers extremely well over two periods, working tirelessly on their behalf on many issues, including rural crime," he said.

"He’s also served the poultry farmers of East Anglia with distinction, including supporting them during the current avian influenza outbreak."

NFU East Anglia regional director Zoe Leach added: “John has been a stalwart of the NFU, and champion for members, for many years.

“He will be sorely missed by the entire team here at Newmarket. However, we’re excited for his new adventures ahead and look forward to hearing about his escapades once he retires.”

Mr Newton describes himself as a "real petrol head" and said he is looking forward to having more time to watch motorsports, especially speedway and motorcycle grass track racing, and to restore old speedway bikes.

He will be replaced by Flora Archer, who is currently NFU county adviser for Bedfordshire and Huntingdonshire.