A DOWNTON farmer who predicted that there would be a female president of the National Farmers Union within the next 20 years has made history by becoming the first woman to take the helm at the organisation.

Minette Batters was voted into the role at the NFU’s annual general meeting today (Wednesday).

She takes over from Meurig Raymond, who held the position for four years.

Ms Batters, who formerly wrote the Down on the Farm column for the Journal, predicted in a piece in 2011 that within the next 20 years a woman would take the top job at the NFU.

She said: “This won’t be down to luck or knowing the “right people”. It will happen because these women will be skilled, capable women who will achieve goals purely on their own merit.”

Ms Batters, who farms Continental-bred suckler cows on 300 acres at Barford Park Farm, beat off competition from Essex farmer Guy Smith, who will become her deputy.

Speaking about her election, Ms Batters said: “I am delighted to have been elected as president of the NFU and I am grateful to all the members who have given me the opportunity to lead our industry through Brexit and beyond.

“At the heart of the NFU is its members and I would like the organisation to aim even higher on their behalf. British farming is in the spotlight like never before and this is a great opportunity to reposition the sector in the eyes of the nation.

“Together as a new officeholder team, we will hit the ground running and I look forward to sharing our new vision for farming at the earliest opportunity.”

Ms Batters first got involved with the NFU locally, believing it was a way of "driving change" and after becoming a grassroots member she rose through the ranks to NFU county chairman, serving as Wiltshire's council delegate and also as regional board chairman for the South West.

Ms Batters has co-founded campaigns including Ladies in Beef and the Great British Beef Week.