The Border Leicester Sheep Society has appointed its second ever female president, Sue Martyn, who will take over the role from outgoing president Pete Brown.
Sue has dedicated over 34 years to the breed and currently has 25 Border Leicester ewes which she breeds to sell as shearling rams.
Based in Cornwall, she currently farms a 350ac mixed livestock farm.
Sue is the second female in the society’s 125-year history to take on the presidential role.
“We’re known as the friendly society, and I think we embrace everybody: men, women, young or old – it really doesn’t matter,” she said.
“We are just coming together to promote the breed and do all that we can for the sheep.
Sue Martyn
“Our council is nearly evenly split between men and women, and this is also reflective in our membership. We have witnessed dramatic growth in recent years with members of varying ages and genders, from all over the UK.
“It was such a surprise to even be considered for president, but I am really looking forward to the next couple of years. I’m so passionate about this fantastic breed, and I hope, with the support of all our members, I can help steer the society in the right direction.”
Taking up the role of vice-president is Richard Evans, the second person in Wales to hold the position. Along with his father, Richard runs the Halton flock – the oldest flock in Wales.
Announcing the new roles at its AGM, the society also revealed a significant increase in membership to 220.
Commenting, outgoing president Brown said:
I am delighted that the positions of president and vice-president have been filled with such merited and hard-working individuals.
“They join the society at a time when it is very much on the up, with increasing member numbers, record awards and high prices.
“As we come to the end of our 125th anniversary, and with the transformation the Border Leicester Sheep Society has witnessed in recent years, I am optimistic that it will continue on this trajectory.”
