The David Black Award will, for the first time, be presented at the National Pig Awards, in November.
The prestigious award, named after the East Anglian farmer who instigated it in 1960, has been presented annually since then to important figures who have helped shaped the UK pig industry over the past six decades. Last year, the award went to Mick Sloyan in recognition of the enormous contribution he made to the pig industry during a career lasting 40 years.
The award has traditionally been presented to a gathering of politicians and industry officials at a special breakfast event in the House of Lords. However, AHDB, which runs the award, was keen to see the ceremony played out in front of a larger pig industry audience.
AHDB pork strategy director Angela Christison said: “The prestigious David Black Award celebrates individuals and organisations that make an outstanding impact on the British pig sector during the course of their work.
“The move to include the award in the National Pig Awards means winners and their achievements will be celebrated by a greater number of attendees and so it is hoped will inspire even more to pioneer success within the industry.”
Pig World publisher Simon Lewis said: “We are delighted that the David Black Award, which has been won in the past by some of the most influential figures the pig industry has seen, will be presented at the National Pig Awards this year.
“This important addition to the programme will further strengthen the awards, reinforcing the night as one of the most important in the pig industry calendar.”
Recent winners
2009 Prof Sandra Edwards
2010 Meryl Ward
2011 Paul Toplis
2012 Heather Jenkins
2013 Pete Bown
2014 Ladies in Pigs
2015 Andrew Knowles
2016 Susanna Williamson
2017 Charlie Allen
2018 Mick Sloyan
