FARMING MATTERS: Retirement beckons for NFU Roadshow presenter

After 16 years of promoting farming the length and breadth of the country Johnny Ball is retiring from his role as presenter of the NFU's Let's Talk Farming Roadshow.
Johnny Ball at the NFU Let's Talk Farming RoadshowJohnny Ball at the NFU Let's Talk Farming Roadshow
Johnny Ball at the NFU Let's Talk Farming Roadshow

Johnny, a farmer from Lancashire, has worked in all weathers and all locations to deliver a positive message to what is probably millions of children and adults alike about the importance of farming to Britain.

NFU director of communications Fran Barnes said: “Johnny has always done it with enthusiasm and energy and has ensured the Let’s Talk Farming Roadshow has covered the thousands of miles it needs to every year. The role has required commitment, enthusiasm and a love of farming, something which Johnny has always been passionate about.”

The Roadshow visits county shows, schools and food fairs and the vehicle boasts a farmland stage, an illustrated landscape backdrop and the popular model dairy cow, Annabelle. It arrives at events stocked with a range of resources including activity booklets and salad seeds.

Mr Ball was recruited as a presenter by the NFU in 1999 due to his natural rapport with people and his ability to explain farming and food to consumers. He is a keen amateur poet and regularly pens quirky poems about agriculture.

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