FORMER chairman of the Tenant Farmers Association, Reg Haydon OBE, sadly passed away on August 23.

Described as a true giant of tenant farming, who worked tirelessly for the benefit of the sector, Reg served for 13 years as the TFA’s national chairman between 1995 and 2008, completing 28 years in total in various regional and national roles.

To mark his unique role and outstanding service to the association and the tenanted sector, the TFA’s executive committee made him the TFA’s first, and only, honorary life president.

TFA chief executive, George Dunn, said: "Reg was at the heart of the TFA almost since it began.

"It is no exaggeration to say that his passing marks the end of an era.

"He was always held in high regard and affection, both within the Association and beyond.

"He was a doughty campaigner, a strong advocate and a tough negotiator but always ensured that the rules of gentlemanly conduct applied in all of his dealings which won him many friends in industry, other organisations and in government."

Under Reg’s watch, the TFA also grew in its levels of recognition, expertise and influence and his legacy is to have left a strong organisation dedicated to representing the interests of the tenanted sector of agriculture in England and Wales as well as helping to establish a similar voice in Scotland.

In recognition of his major contribution to the industry, he was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in 2006.

Former Scottish TFA chairman, Angus McCall, added: "Reg Haydon gave STFA tremendous support and encouragement in the early days and was instrumental in helping establish a tenant’s association in Scotland.

"In launching the STFA, Reg toured the length and breadth of Scotland meeting tenant farmers who were impressed by his bluff, no-nonsense style and his passion for the tenanted sector.

"STFA owes a great deal to Reg and shares the loss felt by our sister organisation in England.

"Our sympathies and condolences go to his wife Jill, his children Ryan, Merrick and Samantha and their families."