Serving the Farming Industry across the Midlands for 35 Years
The farming community has paid tribute to Staffordshire dairy farmer David Brookes, who has died suddenly aged 65. An NFU branch, county and regional... Tributes paid to Staffordshire dairy farmer champion

The farming community has paid tribute to Staffordshire dairy farmer David Brookes, who has died suddenly aged 65.

An NFU branch, county and regional officeholder for many years, Mr Brookes was a dairy champion – and helped lead the SOS Dairy campaign for fairer milk prices in 2012.

The Lower Loxley farmer was a husband, father, and grandfather and Staffordshire NFU council delegate. He finished in post this year and was active within Staffordshire & Birmingham Agricultural Society.

Mr Brookes also served as NFU Uttoxeter, Abbots Bromley and Burton-upon-Trent branch chairman in 1996 and 2012, was NFU Staffordshire chair for a two-year term and elected as NFU West Midlands regional board chair in 2022.

An Arla supplier he built up his 250-strong herd of Holstein-Friesian cows and improved the farm infrastructure – seeing benefits in cow health and higher milk yields.

David  had a high-profile role on his local authority but stepped down to spend more time on the family dairy farm although he was the serving chairman of Uttoxeter Rural Parish Council at the time of his death.

NFU Staffordshire chairman and farmer Paul Brown 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.”

Sharing knowledge

Mr Brookes 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 and talk about the plans put in place for his dairy herd.

In September, the Brookes family hosted the Uttoxeter Ploughing and Hedgecutting Match and he was also a big supporter of the Staffordshire Show and young farmers.

Philip Atkins said: “Besides being a fellow Uttoxeter and Staffordshire farmer, David was a good friend for many years. We will all have many memories of David, from shearing through to dairy campaigns, to our great rural social life.

“Rural friendship and camaraderie goes deep and is still there, and with our recent changes and challenges we are all coming together again as one, which is something David would have been heavily involved in.”

Besides his NFU work, Mr Brookes had been involved in local politics for over 30 years. He never stood in the ward he lived in but always worked hard to represent the area he was elected for and go that extra mile.

“He would often stand up and robustly both challenge or defend a position. I know NFU colleagues also witnessed this at first hand, as I did as a fellow borough and county councillor. This is something you only see in someone with real conviction.”

“A larger-than-life character he will be missed. Our thoughts should be with Brenda and their children Will, Georgina, Charlotte and Vicky and grandson George at this time.”

David was ‘larger than life character’

NFU dairy board chair Paul Tompkins described Mr Brookes as a larger-than-life character” with an unrivalled passion and enthusiasm.

“I was lucky enough to count David as a friend after first meeting him nearly 10 years ago, when he was quick to offer me guidance and support.

His wisdom helped steer the dairy sector through some challenging times, including the SOS Dairy campaign.   

“He was rightly proud of his achievements at Lower Loxley and when I visited the farm, I was always impressed by his focus on the future of dairy production

David was also a family man and always put great emphasis on the importance of multi-generational farming, said Mr Tompkins.

“I know his untimely death will  come as a great shock, and I pass on my condolences to his wife Brenda, and all his family and friends.”