09 May 2006
Pig Service Industry Award Winners
EAST YORKS. PRODUCERS SHARE PIG INDUSTRY AWARD
 Pig industry award winners - left Richard Longthorp right John Rowbottom centre Defra Livestock Production Duncan Prior |
The prestigious Pig Industry Service Award, announced today (9 May) at the British Pig and Poultry Fair, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, went to two producers, both of whom are actively involved in promoting their industry.
The judges, former editor of the Grocer Clive Beddall and director of the
RASE’s Arthur Rank Centre and chaired by the RASE’s John Moverley, selected
John Rowbottom and Richard Longthorp as joint winners from 13 excellent
nominations
for their outstanding contributions to the sector.
From Melbourne, near York, John Rowbottom has been involved in pig production throughout his career. With his son Edward, he currently runs a herd of 750-breeding sows with stock taken through to finishing. He has also developed a grass drying business.
Judges highlighted John’s exceptional service to the pig industry, particularly on behalf of the British Pig Industry Supporters Group where he is prepared to put his head above the parapet on behalf of the whole sector. On the pig production side, his foresight in introducing the MADEC principles to the UK in 2000 to help reduce the severity of the pig wasting disease PMWS from well-known French vet was also recognised by the judges.
Also from East Yorkshire, Richard Longthorp runs 1300 outdoor sows on an arable and pig unit near Howden. A past Chairman of the National Pig Association, Richard has been instrumental in improving the profile for training in the pig production sector and in launching the national training project ‘From Sustainability to Sustained Ability’ to help to ease the skills shortage in the industry.
Judges highlighted Richard’s role as an outstanding ambassador for the pig sector, which was well-deserved as later in the day he received a cheque for £20,000 from Mark Young, Asda's general manager, to help fund the pig industry's training scheme.
ENDS
For more information or photographs contact Karen Wright, 01780 767222
karen@karenwrightpr.com
Download a copy of the picture above here.
The British Pig and Poultry Fair is organised and presented by the Royal Agricultural Society of England.
