Former Farmers Guardiancolumnist and a Member of the Guild, farmer Mike Keeble, has died after a long battle with prostate cancer. He was 77.
As an obituary on the FGInsight.com website records, Mike Keeble was a well known face to many through his years of commentary in the beef rings at the Great Yorkshire Show and other such events, and was a respected expert on issues such as livestock production and upland farming in particular.
He was a columnist on the Farmers Guardian newspaper for more than 20 years. Its editor Emma Penny, a fellow Member of the Guild, said: “Mike was a long term contributor to, and great supporter of Farmers Guardian. He was always keen to look at new ideas and ventures, support the next generation and make sure the facts about farming and its valuable contribution were disseminated as widely as possible. His determination, enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge will be sorely missed.”
Born in London, Mike Keeble was evacuated during the second World War to Chorley Wood, Hertfordshire, where his love of the countryside grew. He later studied at Harper Adams College, Shropshire, and went to work in land agency.
After securing a farm tenancy of his own on the Clifton Castle Estate, North Yorkshire, he became one of the first importers of Limousin cattle in to the UK.
Guild President, Lord Curry of Kirkharle: “I am very sorry to hear the sad news. I knew Mike very well and have often been subjected to interrogation and challenge from him! There are very few people who are able to communicate with the public about farming and the countryside as ably as Mike. He did a huge amount to encourage young people and is a great loss.”
