Minette Batters was the first woman president of the National Famers’ Union in its 110-year history. During that time, she fought tooth and nail for the interests of farmers, becoming the most visible agriculture expert in the UK at a time when Brexit, Covid and international conflict were pushing our farms and food production to a state of crisis. Never afraid to stick her head above the parapet, Minette has led some of the most impactful campaigns in farming history, including building coalitions of farmers, environmentalists, animal welfare groups, and food experts such as Jamie Oliver to ensure that imported food meets the same high standards required of British farmers.

She has been a staunch advocate amongst the highest echelons of power in England – earning a seat at the table with Ministers, Lords and successive Prime Ministers during the most turbulent times and has recently advised the government on the future of farming profitability. Minette’s expertise in British farming spans many years further than those spent as NFU president however. Born and raised on her parents’ tenanted farm near Downton in Wiltshire, her story reflects the heart of rural Britain and its changing tides. Despite warnings from her father there was no future for her in farming, Minette was driven to pursue a career in it by her love of the land she grew up on. Starting with just a few cows and a rundown farm she followed her lifelong passion and built her own farming business on the land she was raised.

Blending memoir and manifesto, HARVEST is a powerful insight into the real life of farmers, a love letter to British rural life, and a rallying cry to save it.

‘As a lifelong farmer and agriculture expert, Minette brings a unique and very real insight into the reality of farming – a must-read.’ Jamie Oliver

Minette Batters is an award-winning British farmer who was the president of the National Farmers’ Union of England and Wales from 2018 to 2024. She has been a member of the House of Lords since 2024, and has run Barford Park Farm for decades. She is one of the most respected voices in British agriculture, advising both farmers and government, and is a columnist for Country Life.