AFTER quarter of a century representing Devon and Cornwall at NFU headquarters in London, John Hodge from Okehampton recently stepped down from the job.

Mr Hodge, who is the sixth generation of his family to farm at Park Farm and Lower Halstock, was vice chairman of the Hill Farming Committee, before it amalgamated with the Less Favoured Area Committee.

His role was representing and helping the disadvantaged farmers of the Westcountry. He said he was pleased he was able to keep the hill livestock compensatory allowance at a good level.

'All I ever wanted was a fair deal for farmers and over the years I think I have achieved that,' he said. 'Whenever I went to Whitehall to discuss a price increase with the Government, I always secured one.'

Mr Hodge, who is chairman of the Dartmoor Commoners Council, said 25 years service was a good time to retire — it was important to make way for the younger generation.

'The NFU has got its work cut out in keeping agriculture on the right road, but I think it's essential we move with the times and let the young ones lead the way,' he said.

'As far as Dartmoor goes, I hope the National Park Authority comes up with some ideas to help the small farmer, or I fear we will lose many more.

'The last thing we want is ranch-style farming on Dartmoor — it is the small scale farming which keeps the countryside so beautiful.'