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Known to many in the machinery industry, Doug Potts, the founder of Farmers Guide magazine, died at the beginning of April aged 85 years.
Peter Hill of the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists, of which Doug was a member, says:
"Doug's vision for a regional farming magazine, which initially was available to farmers in East Anglia, began when he was working for the Eastern Daily Press. He was allowed to research the possibility but when EDP chose not to back the idea, he pursued it himself.
"The first issue of East Anglian Farmers Guide was dispatched in September 1979 and to Doug’s immense pride it made a profit from the outset. The focus was largely on machinery, with particular emphasis on the people who supplied, serviced and used it to give it a local feel.
"Although Farmers Guide is now distributed nationally under the ownership of Doug's daughters Julie and Guild member Jane, that successful formula continues to this day – a number of the magazine’s pages are dedicated to photos of dealers, manufacturer representatives and farmers, rather than just the nuts and bolts of machinery, to underscore the importance of people and business relationships.
"Many people in the industry will have memories of Doug Potts visiting shows and open days – always with his camera bag and notebook, and sometimes riding a bike to get around a showground more quickly – while his journalist colleagues will remember him for his good company on overseas press trips with tractor and machinery manufacturers."
A funeral service will be held at St Nicholas Church, Hintlesham, Suffolk on Wednesday, April 30 at 12 noon.
