SUE MARTYN of Hornacott Barton Farm has been appointed president of the Border Leicester Sheep Society, following previous marketing and convenor roles within the society's council.

Based in Cornwall and having dedicated 34 years to the breed, Mrs Martyn currently has 25 Border Leicester ewes, which she breeds to sell shearling rams. She has a strong commercial history with the breed, with the 350-acre mixed livestock farm she used to run with her husband still worked by the family.

She is the second female to take the helm in the society’s 125-year history, and highlights its focus to develop and encourage a more diverse board.

During the society AGM, it was also announced that Richard Evans would take on the role of Vice President, the second person from Wales to hold the position. Along with his father, Richard runs the Halton flock, which is the oldest flock in Wales.

The society has revealed a significant increase in membership to 220, and strong attendance at their recent National Show. Greater awareness of the breed has been encouraged through recent investment in PR and marketing, including a new website.

Outgoing president Pete Brown said this new strategy had ensured the financial security and future of the society, delivering a profit in 2021 which can now be reinvested: “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.”

Mrs Martyn said she was excited to see what the society could deliver in the future: “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.”

For more information, go to https://www.borderleicesters.co.uk or contact society secretary Colin Douglas on 07468 227396 or secretary@borderleicesters.co.uk.