AHDB’s sustainability and engagement manager Zanita Markham was a popular winner of the NPA Chris Brant Award at the National Pig Awards in London, on Monday night.
The Chris Brant Award honours those who ‘go the extra mile’ on behalf of the pig sector, often behind the scenes and largely unseen by the wider pig farming public.
Announcing the winner before presenting the award on stage, NPA chairman Rob Mutimer said: “As in the spirit of previous Chris Brant Award winners, Zanita is another shining example of someone who has made dedicated contributions, absolutely vital to the sustainability of producer businesses and the wider pig sector, often with little or no wider industry recognition.
“She has served AHDB levy payers for many years now, either as the environmental specialist and initial contact for all producer queries or leading on numerous extensive research programs, which have resulted in significant updates to environmental policy such as the ‘accelerated ammonia’ project, helping to provide vital technical data in defence of the sector.
“She also plays a key role in engaging with government bodies to ensure producers are provided with the necessary guidance and support they need and that both the technical and practical challenges are fully understood by various stakeholders.”
Zanita has become a well known face across the pig industry since joining AHDB in 2018, initially as environment and buildings knowledge transfer (KT) officer. She has a background in managing a number of field trials for environmental improvements and a degree in Environmental Management.
Zanita said: “Receiving the Chris Brant award really was a surprise and a true honour. Thank you so much. To be recognised in this way by producers and industry, who understand and value the impact of rigorous research, and genuine engagement at the farm level, means the world to me.
“No project of this magnitude could ever be achieved alone — this award belongs to the whole industry. It’s a testament to the extraordinary time, talent and dedication of so many people: producers, allied professionals, and our government partners. I’m deeply grateful.”
Zanita joins an illustrious list of winners of the Chris Brant Award, named after the producer and pig industry activist, who died in 2009, including:
- 2024 Tim Miller
- 2023 Sam Godfrey
- 2022 Anna Longthorp
- 2021 Duncan Berkshire
- 2020 Zoe Davies