Long Service Award for our Fairford farmer
Pete Nicholls’ 50 years in farming acknowledged by Royal Agricultural Society of England
Tom Paton with Pete Nicholls and his RASE award
Warm congratulations to Pete Nicholls, who has worked on Milton Farm on the Fairford Estate in Gloucestershire for 50 years and been recognised for his long service by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE).
Pete began working at the farm in 1975 at age 16, initially under tenant Andrew Paton. Now 66, he works for Andrew’s son, Tom Paton.
Tom paid a glowing tribute to Pete’s dedication and cheerful spirit. Known for his optimism and strong work ethic, Pete’s work at Milton Farm includes overseeng all arable operations and the farm’s 50-head suckler herd. “He can’t abide laziness,” said Tom. “At harvest, when others are tired, he’s the one saying, ‘let’s just get on with it!’”
Pete has witnessed many changes over the years, including the farm’s growth from 800 to 1,400 acres and the reduction in staff from four to two. Despite the rise of new technologies like GPS, he embraces the evolving nature of the job. He said:
I love being outside - why would I change it?
Outside of work, Pete is devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren, with hobbies including the restoration of a vintage Massey Ferguson tractor.
The RASE citation reads:
We extend our congratulations to Peter Nicholls, who has received a RASE Long Service Award after 50 years continuous service at Milton Farm, Fairford, Glos. Peter has demonstrated enthusiasm and dedication to all aspects of farm work.
We congratulate Pete on this long service award, sending him our warmest good wishes for a full and speedy recovery from his recent health issues and accident, and look forward to seeing him back on the farm.
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