Former Newton Rigg College course leader appointed as a CLA Director for the North

A former agricultural course leader at Newton Rigg College has been appointed as CLA Director North for the  (covering Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, and the North East) Harriet Ranson will take up the post on 8 July, Her first engagement in the post will be meeting members and guests on the CLA’s trade stand at this year’s Great Yorkshire Show.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is the membership organisation for owners of land, property and businesses in rural England and Wales.

That exists to champion, protect and enhance the rural economy, environment and way of life to unlock the potential of the rural economy by promoting innovative ideas to a national audience and providing practical support to members. 

Harriet was raised in Yorkshire. She has over 15 years of experience working in the agricultural sector. After graduating with a law degree, Harriet spent some time in practical farming and land management before becoming an agricultural lecturer at Bishop Burton College.

She then went on to become an agricultural course leader at Newton Rigg College. For the last six years, she has worked for the NFU in the midlands, ensuring effective member representation while managing a team of branch secretaries. During that time, Harriet built a wider remit at the NFU on livestock issues and rural crime.

Of her appointment, Harriet said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this role and in many ways, it feels like a homecoming as I have deep roots in the North. The CLA is a highly regarded organisation which represents the landowning sector and it will be my mission to champion our rural economy across the region.”

“I look forward to working with the CLA North team, to meet and listen to CLA members across the North in order for me to represent and lobby on their behalf.”

Acting Director North Henk Geertsema said: "I am delighted, along with the CLA North team, to welcome Harriet to the CLA. Her knowledge and experience in the rural sector would be of great benefit to CLA members across the North. I wish her well and hope she will find the role as stimulating as I have in acting up for the interim.”