John Lee OBE DL named President of Devon County Show 2026

The Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) has announced that John Lee OBE DL has been appointed President of the Devon County Show for 2026.

Mr Lee is a well-known figure in British agriculture and a long-standing supporter of the Young Farmers’ movement, bringing decades of leadership and experience to the role.

His connection to Devon’s agricultural sector began on his family’s mixed farm, where he was raised working with beef, sheep and cereals. This early experience has shaped a lifelong commitment to rural development, reflected in a wide range of leadership positions across the South West and nationally.

These roles have included chairing the Rural Youth Trust, serving as Chair and Trustee of The Farmers Club, Chair of South West Lakes Trust, and holding positions with Bicton College Governors and DEFRA’s Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy. He also founded FACE (Farming and Countryside Education) and Farmwise, the DCAA’s educational programme for schools focused on food production and countryside management.

Mr Lee has also played a significant role in the Young Farmers’ movement. In April 2024, he was elected President of the National Federation of Young Farmers' Clubs (NFYFC), having previously chaired its Agriculture and Finance Committees and the NFYFC Council, as well as leading both Devon and the South West area. He later became the first and only President from England and Wales to head the European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA), where he chaired its Exchange Programme and contributed to the Common Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee.

Speaking about his latest appointment, John said: “Having been involved with the Devon County Show for so long there can be no greater honour than being elected President. The Show is powered by an incredible team of volunteers and staff, and I look forward to supporting them as we showcase all that is best in Devonshire food, farming and rural life.”

Mr Lee’s association with the DCAA spans decades, having first attended the show at the age of six with his father and grandfather. He later became involved as a steward in the Young Farmers marquee during the 1980s and has since held several key roles, including Chief Steward of the Showground, Chairman of the Showground Committee, Chairman of Council and Chairman of the Board of Management.

As President of the 2026 show, he is expected to continue promoting community engagement, education and the importance of agriculture within Devon.

Further information about this year’s Devon County Show available at www.devoncountyshow.co.uk