Farming groups pay tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II, a “steadfast champion of farming”

Britain’s longest-serving monarch, HM the Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 following a 70-year reign. A period of royal mourning will now be observed until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.

NFU Scotland’s president Martin Kennedy praised the Queen’s “exceptional service and dedication” to the UK and Commonwealth, noting the “deep and profound loss” millions feel at her passing.

“Here in Scotland, we fondly remember her long-standing enthusiasm and support for farming, rural life, and the countryside, as well as her patronage and visits to the Royal Highland Show. Her lifelong association with Royal Deeside and the estate at Balmoral, famed for its Highland cattle and Highland ponies, often saw the Queen, accompanied by the royal family, enjoy rural Scotland at its finest.”

She was also an excellent livestock breeder, he added. “In this memorable jubilee year, Her Majesty saw her Highland bull Gusgurlach of Balmoral, win top prize at the Royal Highland Show for the second year in a row. Her Highland pony stud at Balmoral has also been hugely influential in securing the future of this iconic Scottish breed.”

Commenting on her importance to the farming community he said: “Her service to farming and rural communities up and down the country will not be forgotten and many farmers, crofters and landowners will be able to reflect on the role they recently played in marking Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee by supporting the nationwide network of beacons lit this summer to mark the occasion or participating in the Queen’s Green canopy tree-planting initiative which will grow into a fitting legacy to an exceptional monarch.”

A constant in a changing world

A young Queen Elizabeth II when she lived in Malta between 1947 and 1951.

President of the Country, Land and Business Association, Mark Tufnell, described the Queen as a “steadfast champion” of the British countryside and rural life.

“It is with profound grief that we note the passing of Her Majesty the Queen, but it is also with sincere gratitude that we remember her tireless service to our nation and its rural community,” he said.

“In an ever-changing world, the Queen was a constant. Her devotion and sense of duty inspired us all.”

The RABDF, of which the Queen was a patron, paid tribute to her work to promote agriculture. RABDF managing director Matthew Knight said: “Our association has a long-standing relationship with the royal family, and the Queen’s strong connections to farming and rural life meant she was generous in the support she offered our charity and many others in the industry.

“We are forever grateful for her work to promote agriculture, along with other members of the royal family, whom we continue to work with.

“The Queen’s tireless work makes her one of the most adored and respected sovereigns in history.”

Her Majesty was also patron of the Royal Agricultural University since 1952. Its vice-chancellor Professor Peter McCaffery fondly remembered her two visits to the campus, the most recent of which was in celebration of the college’s 150^th anniversary in 1996.

NSA described Her Majesty as a “true country girl at heart” who demonstrated her passion for the countryside, its characters and farming activities throughout her life.

“She has left a lasting legacy, not least by influencing many of her family members, across new generations, to share her interests and values. Many members of our farming communities will have had the honour of meeting with Her Majesty and will have admired her formidable nature that resulted in her incredible reign of more than 70 years.”

“Deep connection to the countryside”

NFU president Minette Batters shared her condolences with the royal family and similarly noted the Queen’s connection to the countryside.

“Her Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change in our nation and in our fields,” she said in a statement.

“The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations. On behalf of farmers in England and Wales, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King, Queen consort and the royal family at this truly sad time for our country.”

King Charles III has immediately become monarch and has said his mother’s death was a moment of “greatest sadness for me and all members of my family”.

Flags will be at half mast at royal residences and other public buildings during the period of mourning and royal gun salutes will be fired in London in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London at 1pm today.