The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has recruited two new members of staff to complete the pork knowledge transfer (KT) and knowledge exchange (KE) teams.
In her new role as KT manager, Pippa Handley will be helping to bring innovative ideas to pig units across the country, working closely with the EU Pig Innovation Group and facilitating a precision pig programme.
Pippa has a background inproduction animal research management, having previously worked for ADAS as a senior research manager. More recently, she worked with the pig and poultry research group at Nottingham Trent University.
AHDB KT senior manager Ben Williams said: “Pippa further strengthens the team, enabling us to provide a mix of KT materials, from farmer-to-farmer learning to PhDs and sector-wide projects, all with significant impact.
“Pippa is eager to continue building a strong network, which will help drive forward and share the fantastic work that is being undertaken to help the UK pig sector remain at the forefront of innovation.”
Patrick Loten joins the organisation as the new KE manager for the South of England. He replaces Mike Shattock, who has returned to work on his family farm in South Africa.
He has more than 40 years of experience working in the pig industry, predominantly with an outdoor focus, and has managed units with up to 2,500 sows.
Patrick said: “I’m looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to help other producers, as well as increasing my own understanding of other systems.”
