 Bob Parry: President in difficult times |
During the foot-and-mouth crisis his face was on our television screens almost every night. And for the past twelve years he has travelled thousands of miles to Brussels, London and all over Wales - but on Wednesday, Bob Parry hangs up his wellingtons as the president of the Farmers Union of Wales.
Bob Parry is the sixth president to hold the post since the FUW was established during the 1950s, and the third from Anglesey.
He has been at the helm during one of the most turbulent times for the farming inudstry - from BSE to foot-and-mouth - and has had to deal with a string of politicians.
He is handing over the post to Gareth Vaughan, 61, who farms in Dolfor, near Newtown, in mid Wales.
"Everyone still remembers the day when I walked out of a meeting with Christine Gwyther.
"But it was the right decision to take.. appointing an agriculture minister who was a vegetarian didn't make sense although I don't blame Christine herself at all.
"The blame was with the first minister at the time, Alun Michael " said Mr Parry.
 I've always said I would like to see one union for Wales - although not necessarily the Farmers Union of Wales  |
Although the number of farmers leaving the industry is on the increase, Bob Parry feels passionately that farming unions have an important role to play - particularly since devolution.
"I think the assembly agriculture department should be given more power - and that is what we told the Richard Commission recently. " And on the sensitive issue of one farming union for Wales Mr.Parry makes no bones about his views.
"I've always said I would like to see one union for Wales - although not necessarily the Farmers Union of Wales.
"We would have to see a brand new union set up. I hope it will happen one day - although when is another question," he added.
Mr Parry will now have more time to spend home on the farm, but he is not retiring.
Even though agricultural politics will take a back seat, a few weeks ago he took over as Leader of Anglesey County Council.
That could prove to be an even bumpier ride.
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