The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has recruited two new members of staff to complete the pork knowledge transfer and knowledge exchange teams.
Patrick Loten joins the organisation as the new knowledge exchange manager for the South of England. He replaces Mike Shattock, who has returned to work on his family farm in South Africa.
Loten has over 40 years of experience working in the pig industry, predominantly with an outdoor focus, and has managed units with up to 2,500 sows.
He 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.”
New knowledge transfer manager
In her new role as knowledge transfer 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.
Handley has a background in production 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 knowledge transfer senior manager Ben Williams said: “Pippa further strengthens the team, enabling us to provide a mix of knowledge transfer 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.”
