Clare Wise has been appointed chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Livestock board following the passing of former chair David Barton in July.
Mark Weekes, who farms in Devon, was elected at vice-chair of the Livestock board. He takes over from Wise, who previously served as vice-chair from March 2026. Clare Wise will serve as chair for the remainder of this term.
Wise is a fifth-generation mixed farmer from County Durham, and farms sheep, cattle and arable. According to NFU, she has a particular interest in animal health and welfare and is a keen early adopter of new technologies on the farm.
“As a board, we will ensure Government is held to account on the policies and decisions affecting livestock farmers across the country.”
Clare Wise, NFU
Wise commented: “Let me first pay tribute to David who we all miss enormously. He was a valued chair of this board whose knowledge, commitment and leadership earned the respect of colleagues across the industry.
“David leaves a lasting legacy, which I hope this board can continue to build on and develop as we look to help shape the future of the livestock sector on behalf of our members.
“Listening to NFU members and understanding the issues that matter most to them will remain at the heart of our work.
“Whether it’s the cost of producing food, disease control, environmental regulation or climate change and extreme weather, as a board, we will ensure Government is held to account on the policies and decisions affecting livestock farmers across the country, so we can unlock investment and look to build resilient and profitable businesses.”
