The farming sector has been paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following the news of her peaceful passing at Balmoral in Scotland yesterday (Thursday, September 8).
President of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Minette Batters, shared her “deepest condolences” with the Royal Family while recalling The Queen’s taste for rural life.
“Words cannot describe the deep sense of sadness that I and the rest of the farming community will feel at the news of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen,” she said.
“Her Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change in our nation and in our fields.
“The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations.
“On behalf of farmers in England and Wales, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King, Queen Consort and the Royal Family at this truly sad time for our country.”
On behalf of farmers in Scotland, NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said:
“Here in Scotland, we fondly remember [The Queen’s] long-standing enthusiasm and support for farming, rural life, and the countryside as well as her patronage and visits to the Royal Highland Show.”
Kennedy then referenced her final resting place, Balmoral Castle.
“Her lifelong association with Royal Deeside and the estate at Balmoral, famed for its Highland cattle and Highland ponies, often saw The Queen, accompanied by the Royal family, enjoy rural Scotland at its finest,” he said.
An excellent livestock breeder
“She was an excellent livestock breeder. In this memorable jubilee year, Her Majesty saw her Highland bull Gusgurlach of Balmoral, win top prize at the Royal Highland Show for the second year in a row. Her Highland Pony stud at Balmoral has also been hugely influential in securing the future of this iconic Scottish breed,” Kennedy continued.
“Her service to farming and rural communities up and down the country will not be forgotten.”
Mark Tufnell, president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) also praised The Queen for being a “steadfast champion of the British countryside and rural way of life”.
“It is with profound grief that we note the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, but it is also with sincere gratitude that we remember her tireless service to our nation and its rural community,” he said.
“In an ever-changing world, The Queen was a constant. Her devotion and sense of duty inspired us all.”
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) expressed its condolences to the Royal Family and recalled the “generous” support that The Queen offered its charity, and many others in the industry.
“We are forever grateful for her work to promote agriculture,” RABDF managing director Matthew Knight said.
“The Queen’s tireless work makes her one of the most adored and respected sovereigns in history.”
Professor Peter McCaffery, vice-chancellor of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) also recalled his work relationship with The Queen.
“Queen Elizabeth II became the Patron of what was then the Royal Agricultural College, in 1952, having taken on the patronage following the death of her father King George VI,” he explained.
The Queen visited the RAU campus twice he said, and both times she showed “keen interest in all areas of the college”.
He added that on one occasion, despite wet weather, she planted a mature black poplar tree at the front of the campus to mark the college’s anniversary.
“The Union Flag at our Cirencester campus is being flown at half-mast and a Book of Condolence has been opened in the RAU Chapel for all staff, students, and alumni who wish to pay their respects,” he added.
“Every one of us, here at the Royal Agricultural University, is deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen.”
