Tributes paid to dairy advocate David Brookes

The farming community has paid tribute to Staffordshire dairy farmer David Brookes, who has died at the age of 65.

David was a passionate supporter of the UK farming industry, who championed the dairy sector and helped drive the SOS Dairy campaign back in 2012.

His NFU branch at Uttoxeter, Abbots Bromley and Burton Upon Trent, helped lead the way on the ground during the campaign.

They led a march through Uttoxeter town centre and campaigned at supermarkets across the regions to raise awareness about the struggles of dairy farmers.

See also: Dairy farmer campaigns for defibrillators on farms

David was branch chairman in 2012 having originally served in that post back in 1996.

He also held various other senior roles representing Staffordshire farmers as NFU county chairman and vice chairman prior to that.

He was elected as NFU West Midlands regional board chairman in 2022 and he held the post of NFU council delegate for many years. He held both roles until earlier this year.

David also stood for deputy and vice president of the NFU in 2014.

On-farm defibrillator campaigner

In January, David made representations to NFU Council to encourage the use of on-farm defibrillator kits after drawing inspiration from an article he had read about medical staff using a defibrillator to save the life of Luton Town FC footballer Tom Lockyer.

He believed that as many rural pubs and village halls had defibrillators in place, they could still be some distance from isolated farms.

In September, David and his family hosted the Uttoxeter Ploughing an Hedgecutting Match. He was also a big supporter of the Staffordshire Show and young farmers.

David was an Arla milk supplier and co-operative member and he owned 109ha at Lower Loxley, with more land on short-term letting arrangements.

In recent years, he invested heavily in the family business, modernising and updating the farm to tackle issues with limited grazing and moving stock across a busy A road.

David had expanded the sheds for his herd of more than 250 Holstein-Friesian milkers about 18 months ago.

He had also installed deep grooved flooring, new bays and had moved to sand bedding to improve herd health and productivity.

He was totally committed to his livestock and everything dairy.

David was always happy to share his farming knowledge and experience with others.

He welcomed dairy enthusiasts from across the Midlands to his farm to see the new set up to talk to them about the plans that had been put in place for his dairy herd.

NFU tribute

An NFU spokesman said: “We are absolutely devastated to hear this news. David was such a staunch advocate and ambassador for the farming industry, particularly on dairy issues.

“He always wore his heart on this sleeve and was passionate about making sure the industry was properly represented.

“He was always happy speaking to fellow farmers and shoppers about food production and producing milk.

“David gave greatly and his loss will be keenly felt across the farming community and by all those who knew him.

“He was enjoying time away from his officeholder role as a grandfather and we send our heartfelt thoughts to his wife Brenda and family at this very difficult time.”

Outside of farming, David had a keen interest in politics on a national and local level. He was chairman of Uttoxeter Rural Parish Council, which has also paid tribute to him.

A council spokesperson said: “David’s dedication and commitment to our community were unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working alongside him.

“Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends at this difficult time.”