On February 27, the dairy industry lost one of its most ardent supporters and arguably its most vocal of spokesman, following the death of Ian Potter. Dairy Farmer pays tribute.
Described as a dairy industry giant, Ian Potter had been at the forefront of the dairy industry for more than three decades as a well-known commentator, quota broker and also a farmer.
Ian, who wrote a column inDairy Farmer from 1991 until 2021, was known for his forthright opinions, his ability to provoke debate, but above all for his knowledge of, and dedication to, the dairy industry.
Born in May 1960, Ian was the son of an East Yorkshire farmer. He studied at Cirencester, before becoming a chartered surveyor and auctioneer with Bagshaws.
In 1988 he set up a business which specialised in the sale of quota. The company, which operated for almost 20 years, became the best known broker in Europe.
It was during this time that he started writing his regular column forDF, in which he would prod and probe the industry and all those who worked within it.
While not everyone would say they agreed with Ian all of the time, what was apparent was his desire to stand up for dairy farmers and for an industry he obviously cared so passionately about.
In his final column for DF in May 2021, he promised readers he would continue to breathe down the neck and look over the shoulders of those who do not play ball.
And he continued to do just that through his own weekly news summary, which provided its readers with an insight into the industry and the very latest on milk price news.
Katie Jones, editor ofDF, said: Ian was an extremely well-regarded commentator, his contacts were enviable and his passion for the industry was evident in everything he wrote and everything he did.
In recent years, Ians business diversified into offering call centre, back office administration and telephone-answering services for a range of agricultural businesses, including The National Fallen Stock Company.
The companys work includes managing about 16,000 direct debits each month, as well as collecting money directly from invoiced customers.
Ians services to dairy farming were recognised in 2010 when he was presented with the prestigious Princess Royal Award by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF).
Speaking following his sudden passing due to medical complications after a short illness, RABDF chair Di Wastenage said: Ian has been synonymous with the dairy industry for as long as I can remember and was a massive asset. He loved what he did and the industry he worked in and his passing will leave an enormous void in the sector.
Over the past three decades, he has kept us updated on market conditions with his weekly bulletins or comment pieces in farming publications, building respect across the industry and beyond. His voice and presence in the dairy industry will be missed by all.
NFU dairy board chair Michael Oakes said: Ian was a well-respected figure as a journalist and industry commentator and a great advocate for the UK dairy sector.
Although we did not always see eye to eye, I know he worked tirelessly and passionately to highlight the issues facing British dairy farmers.
In a statement released by his wife Carole and three children Harriett, Jack and Lydia the family described Ian as a giant of the dairy industry who would be missed, not only by them, but by his countless friends and colleagues.
The family added: Throughout his career, he had the interests of dairy farmers at heart and loved what he did and the industry he worked in.
