Internationally known pig expert Dr Mike Varley brings unique expertise in
both practical pig meat production and academia in joining the British Pig Executive
(BPEX) this month as Head of Knowledge Transfer, Research and Development (KT
R&D).
He has been working as an independent consultant with his own company and before
that he was with NuTec UK and then SCA Nutrition, both parts of Provimi. He
also has many years’ experience working at a number of different universities.
Mike’s academic and commercial roles have provided the opportunity to
travel widely and develop detailed knowledge of pig meat production across the
world including visits to North America, Australia, New Zealand, China, Indonesia,
Taiwan, Korea, Japan Thailand, Malaysia, South America and throughout Europe.
BPEX Director Mick Sloyan said: “Mike has a wealth of experience which
dovetails with the needs of BPEX. Our KT R&D has been transformed in recent
years and I look forward to working with Mike to extend that work to deliver
even more benefit to levy payers and their businesses.”
Mike said: “It is my aspiration to harness existing knowledge and to develop
innovative technical solutions to address changes throughout the pig meat supply
chain. Our pig technology is also seen outside in the wider world as being among
the best there is and this in itself may bring commercial advantage to our industry.”
Environment & Animal Health
The environment and animal health are important priorities for the pig industry
and BPEX is investing in both areas to provide an even better service for producers
and processors. Two new members of staff have been appointed, a Veterinary Projects
Manager and an Environment Projects Manager.
On the environment side, the post is being filled by Charles Baines who has
had a wide range of experience first on the practical side on a pig farm and
latterly advising on NVZ, IPPC food chain and pig movements.
On the veterinary side is Charlotte Evans who has hands-on experience having
worked on a 1,000 sow indoor breeding unit and is currently finishing a PhD
on the impact of respiratory disease on pig production.
BPEX Director Mick Sloyan said: “Both Charles and Charlotte have exactly
the knowledge and experience we are looking for to make an impact within English
pig businesses. There is a great deal of work to be done in both fields and
their addition to the team will bring great benefits to the industry.”
For more information about the work of BPEX on veterinary, environmental and
other issues, visit the website www.bpex.org.uk.
[13/08/2009]