John Duggleby has been chosen as the Constituency Winner from Beverley and Holderness in the National Farmers’ Union’s Community Champion Awards.
Mr Duggleby, who is 77 has been farming for over 60 years. He and his family run Beswick Hall Farm in Beswick, a village on the outskirts of Beverley. His family farm produces a mix of both livestock and cereals.
Speaking to HU17.net John said;
“We have been here since the enclosure act, we do not own the farm, we are tenants of the estate. Our family has been here farming for 400 years.”
“The biggest change I have seen over the years is the people working on the farms. When I first came here there were 8 regulars and then some Irishmen who used to come and help with the harvest.”
“Then in the 50s we then got combine harvesters and I have been driving them ever since. I just love farming.”
“Mechanisation has come into farming, that is also one of the big changes I have seen. Every hedge used to be cut by hand when I came home, these days they are all cut with flail mowers.”
“The land we have here is 550 arches which are spread out around the village.”
MP Graham Stuart nominated John for this award because he has consistently supported the local community during difficult times. While adding that John has been a passionate champion for the farming industry.
John Duggleby Wants To Help British Farmers
As a member of the National Farmers Union, John is always willing to donate his time and share his knowledge of local farmland. He is also keen to protect and take care of the environment.
John says he is very pleased to be nominated and thanked the MP for nominating him. Commenting on what getting the award means to him, he said;
“This award came totally out of the blue, I feel very humble about this award. I have not been given any awards before nor have I asked for any. We have just done what we can to help the community and support British Farming.”
