Pass the Baton
Posted by Anderson Grain Marketing on Mar 26, 2021 in AGM News | 0 comments
This last month has seen some momentous changes within the Anderson family and this business.
26th February saw the passing of Martyn Anderson. Martyn had been a part of the Yorkshire grain trade all his working life. At age 22 he left the family farm when it was sold and joined R & R Falkingham Merchants as van lad. A trader by nature, 11 years later at the age of 33 he was Managing Director of Fishers Seeds and Grain Ltd, a position he held until the business was sold in 1989 to ABF (Associated British Foods) at which point Martyn became a Director of CIL (Cereal Industries Limited) until he retired at the ripe old age of 56!
Whilst he was never part of Anderson Grain Marketing he was always there for help and advice if required. Whether that entailed visiting a farm to collect a sample of malting barley or a few words of help, advice or encouragement over a cup of coffee. Without fail he could always be heard enquiring ‘How’s trade?’ whenever we were together.
He leaves behind his wife of almost 60 years Sheila, 3 Sons Kevin, Graham and Stuart and their families, and a big hole in the lives of his many friends, old colleagues and the wider farming community.
Early March also saw James Anderson work his last day for Russell’s machinery business and begin working full time with his Dad and the team at Anderson Grain Marketing.
Aged 20 he will undoubtedly be the youngest Farm Trader in Yorkshire but has spent his life absorbing knowledge from both his Father and Grandfather. James has spent many evenings, weekends and the last two summers both in the office and out on farm grain sampling. Two years at Askham Bryan studying Agriculture and a Covid-19 affected spell at Russell’s brings him back to the family business.
Joining James will be Chris Taylor. Chris is York born and bred, with a Degree in Business Economics from Sheffield Hallam University and 6 years sales experience working for Time Products(UK).
Chris‘ move into agriculture unbeknown to him also completed another family circle, his Grandfather Frank Ainger and Grandmother Jean Ainger both worked for Essex based grain merchant Brooks Ltd of Mistley as grain trader and laboratory technician respectively. Frank later worked for RHM as a commodity trader when RHM bought the Brooks business.