Local Representatives:

First Milk’s unique structure includes 28 farmer-elected Local Representatives. Each representative is responsible for around 100 farmer members in their area. The role is crucial in terms of two-way communication feeding ideas and farmer opinions through to Farmer Directors on the Board and in turn, flowing information and views from the Board back through the membership.

Each Local Representative is elected by members in their local area and will have a variety of duties including attendance at a number of meetings as well as local agricultural shows.

Mike Gorton is a Local Representative for Lancashire, Cheshire, North Staffordshire and North Derby. Mike, who farms 70 cows along with his dad Geoff at the family farm in Over Alderley in Cheshire, has been a Local Representative for over two years and is passionate about his role.

“I am a firm believer in having as much farmer influence as possible in the supply chain so First Milk’s vertical integration strategy is the right one for me.

”I am passionate about my role as a Local Representative as I want to be involved in making things happen. It’s too easy to sit back and just expect things to change. As a farmer I need to be proactive in making things happen at all stages in the decision making process because then you can have a direct influence,” explained Mike.