Warm tributes have been paid to influential and well-respected pig farmer, Rob Beckett, who passed away over the weekend, at the age of 57, following a brave battle with illness.
Rob was managing director of Yorkwold and in a statement on Monday morning, Joe Dewhirst, the company’s joint managing director, said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I must let you know the very sad news that our managing director Rob passed away peacefully at hospital last night surrounded by his family.
“Rob has made a phenomenal contribution to the business since he joined us in 2001, and he leaves a huge hole in our lives. However, his legacy will live on in everything the business has become under his tenure.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Rob’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Rob joined Yorkwold in 2001 as production director designate, having managed a multi-site pig farming business in Shropshire. He rose over the years to his role as managing director, where he held overall responsibility for the running of the Driffield-based pig business, which has 8,000 breeding sows housed across 13 farms.
Rob also played a major role in the wider industry. He was a director of pig marketing group Thames Valley Cambac and became its chair in 2023.
NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “All of us at the NPA are devastated to hear this news. Rob made a huge contribution to the UK pig sector and was a dear friend to many within the industry. He will be greatly missed.”
In its weekly market update, UPC, formed from a merger of TVC with Scottish Pig Producers and Scotlean this year, said: “Rob was just 57 years old, taken far too soon, and his passing leaves a deep void, not just in our organisation, but across the wider agricultural and pig industry communities.
“He was not only our chairman but also Managing Director of Yorkwold Pigpro, where he earned widespread respect for his wisdom, integrity, and enduring commitment to British farming.
“He was one of life’s true gentlemen — thoughtful, fair, and quietly determined. His leadership, warmth, and sharp commercial insight have shaped the businesses he has been involved in over many years, and his loss will be keenly felt by colleagues, members, and industry partners alike.”
His influence extended through his work on the AHDB Pork Sector Council (2017–2023), the Pig Health and Welfare Council’s Welfare Committee, and the Real Welfare review group.
Angela Christison, AHDB Pork sector director said: “Rob had such passion and expertise within the sector, only matched by his kind and constructive manner. This combination brought so many positive impacts and for those of us who were lucky to work with him, so many good memories.
“The whole AHDB team and Pork Sector Council members send our most heartfelt condolences to the Beckett family, Rob will be forever remembered fondly by us all.”
Mike Sheldon, former AHDB Pork Sector Council Chair at the time Rob served, said: “Rob was one of the most thoughtful, constructive and diligent members of the Pork Sector Council that I could have wished for, and for that I am most grateful. Beyond that, however, Rob was great company and became a good friend who will be sorely missed by me along with all his other friends.”
Industry consultant Dominic Charman said: “As a mentor, customer and good person to have a drink with, Rob will be sorely missed and will leave a large hole in the industry. Rob always made time for important matters and for anyone who needed help.”