Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Lifetime Achievement

John Thorley from Worcestershire has been involved in virtually every sector of farming, but it’s his contribution to the sheep industry that will be most enduring.

He dedicated nearly four decades of his life to the National Sheep Association, ensuring the voice of sheep farmers was heard across the UK, Europe and the world.

See also: Farmers Weekly Awards: 2023 shortlist announced

As the organisation’s current chief executive, Phil Stocker, says: “When the National Sheep Breeders’ Association became the National Sheep Association in 1969, it was the appointment of John as secretary that set it on the road from being a small outfit with barely £100 to its name to the hard-hitting and widely respected membership organisation it is today. 

“It is from John’s legacy that the NSA continues to this day to promote the essential nature of sheep farming to the economy, the environment and wider society.

“John never counted the hours worked or the miles travelled, but was driven to provide benefit for the industry and for members,” adds Phil. 

By the time John retired from his role as chief executive of the NSA in 2006, he was admired by farmers nationwide.

Supporting the next generation

One such person is west Wales-based Margaret Dalton who has known him for 25 years.

She says: “John’s dedication to the sheep industry and farming, his friendly personality and sense of humour, makes him a very special person – and one I am proud to know.”

Nowadays, John is chairman of the Henry Plumb Foundation, which helps young people realise their dream of finding careers in the farming and food industry.

John was a close friend of the late Lord Plumb, who invited him to be one of the initiative’s eight founder trustees in 2012. 

In its first 10 years, it helped more than 100 young people through the award of a small bursary, but the foundation’s real USP is providing mentors.

“His commitment to help the next generation and enthusiasm for the work of the foundation has ensured it continues to grow to deliver Lord Plumb’s vision,” says trustee Rosie Carne. “His huge knowledge of the industry is invaluable.”

‘Utterly tireless’ campaigner

As a former chief executive of the National Cattle Breeders’ Association and the British Semen Export Company, John’s wisdom is also invaluable in his role as chairman of the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (Aims), the trade association representing members in the red meat, poultry and game sectors.

Aims head of policy Norman Bagley says: “The word ‘legend’ is an oft-misused term, but in the case of John it is a thoroughly deserved one. 

“Still going strong in his 80s, he still exudes the passion he has for the long-term wellbeing of the farming and meat industries. His infectious energy still shines through.

“His personal connections give him enormous influence across a wide range of the political and representative fields. His knowledge and commitment never cease to amaze. He’s a remarkable man.”

John was also chairman of both the Campaign for Wool and the Mutton Renaissance Campaign – organisations launched by the then-Prince Charles who praised his work as “utterly tireless”. 

Campaign for Wool chairman Sir Nicholas Coleridge highlights John’s key role in numerous initiatives involving cattle, sheep and abattoirs. “He is one of the greats of our industry,” he says.

Awarded an OBE in 2006, nowadays John enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah, and son, Henry, and pursuing his passion for vintage and thoroughbred cars.