It looks set to be a close race between Dungiven dairy and hill sheep farmer Ian Buchanan and Markethill dairy farmer William Irvine for the role of deputy president of the UFU, at the AGM later this month.

The event will now take place on Saturday 25 July, taking the form of a drive-in event at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn. The main speakers are Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots, and the chairman of the Stormont Agriculture Committee, Declan McAleer.

The UFU presidential team is elected by Council members, made up of County committee representatives, plus any remaining members of the UFU Executive or Board.

With current UFU President, Ivor Ferguson standing down after over two years in the role, he is set to be replaced by his deputy, Victor Chestnutt. The other deputy President is Fermanagh farmer, David Brown, who is expected to be elected into a further two-year term. The leaves Buchanan and Irvine to battle it out for the second deputy position.

The ballot at the AGM is held in secret and out of a Council membership thought to be around 600, only those who turn up can vote. In previous years, a candidate able to mobilise support in their area has stood a good chance of getting elected.

Logistics

If the AGM was on the same basis this year, then that might have suited Irvine, given the logistics for anyone travelling to the Maze from Co Armagh as opposed to Co Derry.

But in recognition that the coronavirus pandemic means not all council members might want to go to the AGM this year, it will be possible for members to watch and vote using a virtual platform. With both men credible candidates, the result is difficult to call.

Anyone will be able to follow the proceedings online. At the event Victor Chestnutt will make his first address as President of the UFU, when he will set out his vision for the next two years.

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