Minette Batters, who runs a mixed farm in Wiltshire, has become the first female head of the National Farmers Union in its 110-year history.

She takes over the role from retiring president Meurig Raymond, who stood down after four years.

Ms Batters runs a diversified business that includes a horse livery, pedigree beef cattle, sheep, a wedding and corporate events venue and a catering venture.

She built the business from nothing to over 300 head of livestock after securing a long-term farm business tenancy in 1998.

After getting involved with the NFU in her home county, she rose through the ranks and co-founded national campaigning initiatives like Ladies in Beef and the Great British Beef Week.

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.”