THE NFU has elected its first female president in its 110 year history.

Minette Batters, a Wiltshire beef, sheep and arable farmer, was previously deputy president and succeeds Meurig Raymond who stood down after 18 years as an office holder.

Ms Batters grew up living and working on a farm but it wasn't until 1998 that she was able to secure a long-term Farm Business Tenancy.

She built her business from nothing to over 300 head of stock; with a herd of pedigree Hereford cattle running alongside a herd of 100 Simmental cross suckler cows. She specialises in selling premium store cattle.

She has also diversified into a horse livery, wedding and corporate events venue, and a catering business specialising in home grown produce, and now employs two full time and up to 20 part time staff.

She also co-founded 'Ladies in Beef' and the 'Great British Beef Week'.

Guy Smith was elected deputy president after serving as vice president. He is a mixed and diversified farmer in North East Essex.

The new vice president is Stuart Roberts, a third generation arable and livestock farmer in Hertfordshire. He was previously involved in policy and deliverance work for Defra and the Food Standards Agency, and has senior management experience in the meat supply chain.