The new High Sheriff of Herefordshire and Worcestershire will be James Nicholas, of Welsh Court, Yatton, near Much Marcle.
He will take over from the present High Sheriff, Georgina Britten-Long, in March.
The chief task for one of the oldest positions in the land will be to look after visiting judiciary.
But Mr Nicholas added: "My grandchildren say they will buy me a pony and a plastic badge with sheriff written on it!"
Mr Nicholas is one of just four patrons of Hereford Cathedral and is involved with a number of charities.
He was married to Rachel in 1975, the same year he became a partner in a fish farm business in Herefordshire. He moved into Herefordshire to live in 1988. At present, Mr Nicholas is involved with share-farming with a neighbour and running a family property company in Chester.
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