Shropshire valuer elected national president of agricultural association

A Shropshire-based rural valuer has been elected national president of the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).

Mike Taylor, senior partner at Barbers Rural, Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents in Market Drayton, took up the position following the association's AGM in Birmingham on October 15.

Born and raised on a mixed farm in North Shropshire, Mike comes from a long line of farmers. However, as the youngest of five children, he decided to pursue a career outside farming.

He studied Land Management at Reading University before qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of the CAAV.

After starting his career in Ross-on-Wye, he returned to Market Drayton to join Barber & Son, where he became a partner in charge of the rural department.

In 2008, he and his wife Louise, an RICS-qualified mediator, established Barbers Rural Consultancy LLP.

Mike has held a number of senior roles within the profession, including CAAV branch chairman and examiner. He joined the association's presidential team, becoming junior vice-president in 2024 and senior vice-president in 2025.

He has also served on the RICS Rural Board, worked as an RICS examiner and contributed to professional guidance on rural valuations. More recently, he was part of the working party which produced the Agricultural Landlord and Tenant Code of Practice.

His professional work covers farm agency, valuations, compulsory purchase and landlord and tenant matters. He also regularly acts as an expert witness and works as a mediator and facilitator.

With farming facing an uncertain future amid climate change and reduced government support, Mike believes farmers and landowners need access to the best professional advice.

He is also a supporter of the CAAV's Route to Rural campaign, which aims to encourage more young people into the profession, and is keen to help develop and retain staff across the industry.