At the annual general meeting of the Guild’s Charitable Trust, former Guild chairman Johann Tasker was elected as a new trustee and as “chairman elect” in preparation for succeeding long-serving trust chairman Stephen Howe at the annual meeting in 2027.
Johann Tasker – Chairman elect
Johann is a long-standing Guild member and former Guild chairman (2022-24) with a strong track record in agricultural journalism, primarily with Farmers Weekly. A graduate of Seale-Hayne College (1990-94), he worked for the Agricultural Economics unit at Cambridge University, before embarking on a career in journalist. Since joining Farmers Weekly in 1997, his roles have included markets and commodities editor, chief reporter and news editor, and he is founding editor of the Farmers Weekly Podcast.
Tel: 07967 634971
Email: johann@ruralcity.co.uk
Johann is a keen supporter of the aims and objectives of the trust in supporting members facing short- or long-term difficulties; he organised and completed a successful fund-raising Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in 2023 during his time as Guild chairman (2022-24).
He joins fellow Guild members Rosie Carne, Revd Geoff Dodgson (the Guild’s Honorary Chaplain), Peter Hill, Steve Mitchell, Diane Montague, Natalie Noble, Clive Rainbird and Mick Roberts in overseeing the fund and offering advice and support to fellow members of the Guild.
Johann said: “I would like to thank and pay tribute to Stephen’s hard work during his time as trust chairman; it will be an honour and privilege to follow in his footsteps – and humbling too.
“I look forward to working with our fellow trustees during my time as chairman; the trust is there for all Guild members and I urge those who feel the need for some form of assistance to get in touch.”
During the annual meeting, the trustees reviewed the 2025 financial year, noting that grants to claimants totalled £6,500 (up from £1,400 in the previous year), while income increased from £15,800 in 2024 to just over £17,000, largely thanks to a recovery in the level of dividends earned from investments.
Treasurer Diane Montague welcomed the regular contribution of Guild members through the 5% levy on subscriptions and from subscribers to the trust’s 200 Club twice-a-year prize draw, noting that a few of the £10 annual shares remain available to new contributors.
In his chairman’s report, Stephen emphasised that the trustees are very much reliant on members with financial or other challenges coming forward to find out how the trust may be able to help.
He noted that all trustee contact details are now on the Charitable Trust page of the Guild website, so there are multiple options for raising an issue on a strictly confidential basis.
Stephen added: “We are very grateful to those trustees who are not Guild members for bringing valuable knowledge and contributions to the advice and guidance we can offer members, namely Tessa Bevan, who is experienced in the medical field, and James Irvine of St Brides Church.”
He also thanked Diane for keeping tabs on the trust’s accounts over the past 23 years “with professionalism, diplomacy, diligence and endurance”, adding that minutes secretary Julian Westaway will progressively take on the treasurer’s role during the year ahead.
The Guild’s Charitable Trust provides vital support to members, former members and their dependents during times of need.
An independent charity founded by a group of professional journalists over 25 years ago, it helps those who may have fallen upon hard times or in poor health.
Harvest Lunch 2026
Our annual harvest celebration is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, colleagues and network with other agricultural communicators.
