Stapleford, Lincolnshire: Where the NFU’s First President Farmed

Available for over a year

World War One consolidated the position of the National Farmers Union (NFU) greatly. The NFU was formed in 1908 but its roots began in 1904 with the formation of the Lincolnshire Farmers Union. By 1914, the NFU had established its credentials and was drawn into agricultural policy discussions at a national level. The food production campaign of the war greatly boosted the union’s position. With heavy losses of merchant ships on the Atlantic foreign food imports came to an abrupt end causing an unprecedented issue for Britain’s home front. This marked the beginning of national influence over rural affairs. Up to 1917, a Lincolnshire Farmer - Colin Campbell from Stapleford – held the post of the first President of the NFU. Now, as then, the organisation works to press politicians at branch, county and national levels to support the agricultural industry and those who work in it. Location: Stapleford, Lincolnshire LN6 9JY Image shows Colin Campbell’s farm at Stapleford, courtesy of NFU