EDUCATING children about food and farming, resilience in the world of agriculture and caring for the environment top the agenda of the new chair of Herefordshire NFU.

Bill Quan, who farms at Pontrilas with his wife, Gina, already welcomes about 20 school groups on the farm every year and says his passion is the education of young people.

Visits will start this year from March 11 to coincide with lambing.

“We explain about food and farming and how we are trying to embrace climate change and produce good food,” said Bill.

The school visits form part of their Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, which Gina calls “production with protection.”

“We are putting together a story about the climate; how we are protecting our soils and capturing more carbon. We are trying to get away from the plough, save money and save the climate,” said Bill.

The first generation tenant farmers say the practices are also important to build business resilience and during his two-year term Bill says he’ll also aim to encourage the sharing of best practice as well as greater peer learning and looking after the health and wellbeing of mates.

Bill, who farms potatoes, cereals, Hereford cattle and New Zealand Romney and Suffolk sheep, was previously deputy chairman of Herefordshire NFU.

He takes over as chairman from Bromyard farmer David Watts, whose term officially ends at the NFU AGM in February.

Bill will be supported by new deputy chair Russell Price, who farms at Castle Frome, Ledbury.

E-mail Bill Quan at quan254@btinternet.com