A tenant farmer on the Helmsley Estate for the last 14years, Jonathan farms 350 acres, with 220 acres of arable crops including spring and winter barley, winter wheat and oilseed rape. 130 acres of grass caters for his 500 breeding sheep and he also has pigs on a 'bed and breakfast' arrangement.

As a result, the farm keeps him very busy, but after two years as County Vice Chairman, he says he's relishing the prospect of taking over from his successor, Driffield farmer John Gatenby.

"John has done an excellent job for local farmers and we're all grateful for the many hours he has put in on our behalf," he said. "There's no doubt the last two years have been very challenging – not just with consecutive poor summers, but also with both foot and mouth and bluetongue disease outbreaks.

"I hope the next two years prove more favourable to the region's farmers, but already we are gearing up for a busy few months with a series of key issues on the horizon – everything from government consultations on set-aside and the electronic identification of sheep to preparations for the introduction of the new Uplands Entry Level Scheme.

"Of course work continues on the whole issue of flooding and I expect to pick up here where John left off in terms of lobbying the Environment Agency on their flood management plans. There is evidence that our sustained pressure is having an effect but more still needs to be done."

Other priorities for Jonathan include trying to encourage more young farmers to get involved with the NFU. "My term of office will have been a success" he said, "if four people younger than me turn up for my last meeting!"

He is also keen to help promote farming to a wider audience. "Price volatility has been a real problem for local farmers over the last couple of years. The costs of production have risen dramatically, but returns from the marketplace have fluctuated wildly," he said.

"This makes planning very difficult especially in an industry that is as long-term as ours. One of my key roles will be to help get this message across, both to the public and others in the supply chain.

"With food security allegedly at the top of the national agenda, people need to understand that a lack of price stability and a decent return back to primary producers will inevitably threaten sustainable food production and with it the work farmers do to enhance the environment.

"It will be no mean feat, but it's a challenge I'm looking forward to."

Throughout his two year term of office, Jonathan will work with his new County Vice Chairman, David Shaw. David farms 400 acres at Elvington near York and is a dairy producer, with a herd of 320 Jersey milking cows.