Sir Ken takes on agricultural presidency

SIR Ken Morrison has been named as Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s (YAS) next president following the Great Yorkshire Show in 2010.

Sir Ken, founder and currently president of supermarket Morrisons, will take on the honorary role following a career spanning 55 years in the food industry.

During his year of office Sir Ken will represent the society at events both at the showground and around the region as well as provide guidance and support to the board of trustees.

Commenting on his appointment Sir Ken said: “I have had close ties with farmers, and the meat and food industry generally virtually all my life, and have had a farm myself for many years.

“Indeed one of my early career choices was to work in horticulture but circumstances intervened, otherwise my life would have been very different. I’ve always tried to support farmers, both in business and personally, and now as much as ever, the agricultural industry needs to be playing to its strengths, and the society is certainly a strength.”

He said his interest in farming was both “practical and informed”.

“We have about 1,000 acres over three farms, with sheep, wheat, barley and we fatten cattle in summer so it’s something I’m very serious about.

“We’ve also exhibited at the Great Yorkshire and will be showing again this year, in the sheep section with Beltex lambs, the butchers’ lamb classes and the carcase section.”

Simon Theakston, the society’s chairman, said the YAS was delighted Sir Ken had agreed to become its president.

He added: “His reputation goes before him, not only as a successful businessman, but as a champion of the British farming industry and a strong advocate of using locally produced food.”

YAS’s current president, Michael Bannister will hand over the reins after this year’s show to Richard Elmhirst, the president elect, who in turn will hand over to Sir Ken on the final day of the 2010 show.

Previous presidents have included HRH The Princess Royal, HRH The Duchess of Kent Lord Harewood, The Marquess of Hartington, Sir Marcus Worsley and The Viscount Downe.

This year’s Great Yorkshire Show will take place on July 14, 15 and 16.