Jonathon Barber has stepped down after thirty years as regional manager for the National Sheep Association (NSA) eastern region.
The association expressed its “sincere thanks” to the Norfolk sheep farmer for his work yesterday (Thursday, November 10).
Barber will be succeeded by the newly appointed Josh Brock, who joins the role with several years’ experience working within the sheep sector.
Barber, alongside his wife Carroll, was presented with a painting of a Norfolk sheep farming scene by NSA chair and NSA eastern region chair, Dan Phipps, at the region’s annual manager’s meeting.
As well as his regional work Barber also held the position of NSA national chair from 2009 to 2012.
Engaging attendees at the event with memories from Barber’s thirty years with the region, Phipps said: “Under Jonathan’s watchful eye, NSA eastern region has become an example of how committees can be run and self-sustaining.
“During his time with NSA, Jonathan has done much for the association as a whole and indeed the UK sheep industry. It has been a great pleasure to work alongside him for so many years.
“Jonathan and Carroll leave the region in great health and in a strong financial position to continue to serve sheep farmers into the future.
“We are so pleased to welcome Josh into the regional manager position and are confident he will take on the work of Jonathan very ably,” Phipps concluded.
NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker, said: “Jonathan and Carroll have supported NSA eastern region in so many ways and organised lots of interesting activities for members, integrating brilliantly with NSA as a national organisation.
“No one is irreplaceable, if they were then the world would be in more of a muddle even than it is today, but their shoes will be difficult to fill and NSA will be long in their debt for all they’ve done.”
