Wesley Aston, former Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours List in recognition of his outstanding service to agriculture and his contribution to Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has warmly congratulated former Chief Executive Wesley Aston following the announcement that he has received an MBE in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours List. The honour recognises Mr Aston’s long-standing service to agriculture and his contribution to the development and representation of Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.
Mr Aston retired from the UFU earlier this year after more than three decades of service to the organisation, having played a central role in representing and supporting Northern Ireland’s farming industry through periods of significant change and challenge.
From his roots on a small beef and sheep farm in Co. Armagh, Wesley Aston joined the organisation in 1991 as a Policy Officer, working across the fish farming, pig and poultry committees at a time when Northern Ireland agriculture was navigating significant structural shifts. By 1995, he had risen to Policy Director, also taking on the role of secretary to the dairy committee during the pivotal de-regulation of milk marketing boards.
In 2015, following years at the heart of policy development and industry representation, he was appointed Chief Executive.
UFU President John McLenaghan welcomed the honour as a fitting recognition of Wesley’s outstanding contribution. “We are delighted to see our former CEO Wesley Aston recognised in the Kings Birthday Honours. Wesley has dedicated many years of his career to representing Northern Ireland’s farm families, providing steady leadership, sound judgement and a deep commitment to the industry through some of its most challenging periods.”
“His contribution to the Ulster Farmers’ Union and to the wider agri-food sector has been highly significant and this honour is a fitting recognition of that.”
Mr McLenaghan commended Wesley’s leadership and approach to challenging times. “Wesley always had an unwavering commitment to our members and a genuine passion for the industry. He earned the respect of colleagues, members and stakeholders alike through his professionalism, integrity and dedication.”
“On behalf of the UFU, our members and staff, we warmly congratulate Wesley and his family on this well-deserved honour.”
During his time with the UFU, Wesley had been centrally involved in the formation of key industry organisations such as AgriSearch; Animal Health and Welfare NI (AHWNI); and most recently Sustainable Ruminant Genetics (SRG). He also played an important role in the UFU’s centenary celebrations in 2018, helping to mark a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.
