A DAIRY farmer whose land borders the M5 motorway is the new NFU county chairman for Worcestershire.

Terry Hill, of Saints Farm, Brownheath Lane, near Droitwich, took over the post after being elected unopposed at the Worcestershire annual meeting this week.

Mr Hill farms 500 acres, of which 280 is owned, in partnership with his brother John and nephew Tom.

Saints Farm has a 130-strong British Friesian Holstein dairy herd and E S Hill & Sons also rears up to 80 beef bulls each year.

The farm sells up to 60 ordinary beef cattle and grows wheat and barley for home use. There is also a mixed flock of 184 ewes.

Mr Hill said he was looking forward to his year as chairman, with challenges likely to include putting pressure on the Government to combat bovine tuberculosis and the new proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy.

Younger audience

''The new NFU structure means that the role of county chairman has expanded and we will have a lot of work on our shoulders to represent the industry,'' said Mr Hill.

''I think it's vital that we take the NFU to a younger audience and I plan to go round to the branches of the Young Farmers' Clubs in the county and, hopefully, persuade their members to come along to meetings, because they are the future of the NFU.

''Worcestershire is very much influenced by the urban conurbation and I think we are lucky to have that on our doorstep as it provides lots of opportunities for people. But the rural voice is still very strong and the Worcestershire Rural Hub is driving the county in the right direction.''

Mr Hill also stressed the importance of taking farming issues to the public in a positive manner to convey the right message about the industry.

''For instance, the Three Counties Show provides a brilliant opportunity for townsfolk to have a chance to see livestock, and is an extremely important point of contact for the general public and rural way of life,'' he said.

Mr Hill is married to Helen and has two children, Ruth, aged 12, and David, nine. His interests include fishing, shooting and looking after his dogs.