Farming leaders pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of HM The Queen and send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family. The Queen was the first female Patron of YAS. We are honoured to have had the privilege of the Queen visit the show and support the work we do."

The Queen views cattle at the 150th Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate in 2008

NFU president Minette Batters said she has shared her deepest condolences with the Royal Family.

She said: “Words cannot describe the deep sense of sadness that I and the rest of the farming community will feel at the news of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

“Her Majesty has been the embodiment of duty and public service, seeing the country through seven decades where we have seen huge change in our nation and in our fields.

“The Queen’s deep connection to the countryside has been valued enormously by farmers and has left a remarkable legacy that will continue for generations.

“On behalf of farmers in England and Wales, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the King, Queen Consort and the Royal Family at this truly sad time for our country.”

At the 150th Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, in 2008, the Duke of Edinburgh signs the visitors book after the Queen watched by Bill Cowling, Honorary Show Director

The Queen was the patron of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF), and the Royal Family has supported many dairy awards organised by the charity, including the Princess Royal Award and the former Prince Philip Award, recognising excellence within the industry.

RABDF managing director Matthew Knight said: “It with deep sadness we hear about the loss of Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our association has a long-standing relationship with the Royal Family, and the Queen’s strong connections to farming and rural life meant she was generous in the support she offered our charity and many others in the industry.

“We are forever grateful for her work to promote agriculture, along with other members of the Royal Family, whom we continue to work with.

“The Queen’s tireless work makes her one of the most adored and respected sovereigns in history."

The Queen at the Great Yorkshire Show 1977

Mark Tufnell, president of the CLA, said: “It is with profound grief that we note the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, but it is also with sincere gratitude that we remember her tireless service to our nation and its rural community.

“In an ever-changing world, the Queen was a constant. Her devotion and sense of duty inspired us all.

“On behalf of everyone at the Country Land and Business Association, I send my very deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family, and pray that they will find comfort in the outpouring of love being shown to them from around the world.”

The National Sheep Association described the Queen as a "true country girl at heart". In a statement, it said: "The Queen throughout her life demonstrated her passion for our beautiful countryside, its characters, and the farming activities taking place within it. She has left a lasting legacy, not least by influencing many of her family members, across new generations, to share her interests and values.

"Many members of our farming communities will have had the honour of meeting with Her Majesty and will have admired her formidable nature that resulted in her incredible reign of more than 70 years. Our thoughts go to all affected by this very sad news."