Shock at death of FFA’s Andrew Hemming
The dairy sector has expressed its shock at the death of Farmers for Action vice-chairman Andrew Hemming.
Mr Hemming, who played a critical role during this summer’s SOS dairy campaign, passed away suddenly on Saturday night (15 December).
It is understood that Mr Hemming suffered a heart attack while attending a function, along with his wife, on behalf of FFA at the Great Yorkshire showground. He was 54.
FFA chairman David Handley described him as probably the best friend he had ever had and a fantastic vice-chairman.
“He was somebody that was a fantastic ambassador for dairy farming. He was the one person who I thought would step into my boots.
“He was focused on one thing and that was getting a sustainable dairy industry. He worked tirelessly for the industry – I only had to ask if he would go to a meeting and he would be there.”
Writing on Twitter, dairy farmer Jim Bob said: “Tragic news about Andrew Hemming. A true gentleman who worked tirelessly for others.”
Another farmer called Sheila added: “We dairy farmers owe him such a lot. Thoughts are with the family.”
George Dunn, Tenant Farmers Association chief executive, said Andrew’s death was a tragic loss to his family and to the industry about which he cared so passionately.
“He had worked tirelessly since the summer in the campaign for a fairer deal for British dairy farmers, a fight I know he would have wanted us to maintain. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”
Mr Hemming, who farmed near Solihull in the West Midlands, leaves behind his wife Judith and three children Tom, Edward and Dianne.