A WELL-RESPECTED Northern farming figure is the new president of the British Grassland Society.

Mr Don Wilkinson, who was elected at the annual meeting at Reading university's new school of agriculture policy and development, is one of only a handful of farmers to have held the post.

He grew up on Newton Ketton Farm at Brafferton, near Darlington, and farmed there with his father from 1958 to 1986. He then farmed at Newton Ketton in partnership with his wife, Julie, until 1997.

At the time the farm had 600 beef cattle on 150 acres of grassland and a further 150 acres in arable production.

The farm was widely known for its excellence and twice took the national title in the British Grassland Society's national silage competition.

The couple now farm near Richmond and Mr Wilkinson is heavily involved in many other activities including the NFU, Northern Dales Meat Initiative, Darlington training group and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group.

In 1996 he was made an associate of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

In his presidential address, Mr Wilkinson stressed the need to assess objectives and to have vision for the future and a considered plan so the farm and business could evolve.

He also appealed to members of the society to come forward with their own ideas for initiatives.

Mr Wilkinson said the future was full of change.

"With change comes opportunity, as long as we never forget we all depend on each other," he said. "The farmer will always manage the land, whether for food or environmental enhancement.