The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is pleased to announce the appointment of South Gloucestershire sheep farmer Kevin Harrison as its first chair-elect.
Harrison takes on the new position alongside SCOPS chairman Devon sheep farmer Peter Baber, who has led the group since its inception.
The chairman and chair-elect will work together to help drive activities of SCOPS, supporting responsible parasite control management choices on farms throughout the UK and helping ensure messages are consistent and practical for sheep farmers.
Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, Lesley Stubbings said: “SCOPS is fortunate to have a very able chairman in Peter Baber who has given much time and effort over the past 15 years.
We sincerely thank Peter for this but now it is important we look to the future, hence the appointment of a chair-elect to ensure consistency when Peter comes to the end of his term.
“Kevin will be familiarising himself with the workings of SCOPS and the people and organisations involved, supporting Peter initially and then taking the driving seat when the time comes.
Harrison said: “I am very pleased and honoured to be chosen as the new SCOPS chair-elect. For some time I have been interested in the work of the group and vocal in the importance of a carefully considered approach to parasite control.
“I am now looking forward to representing the group, helping to further its positive impact on farms in the UK.”
SCOPS is an industry-led group that works in the interest of the UK sheep industry.
It recognises that, left unchecked, anthelmintic resistance is one of the biggest challenges to the future health and profitability of the sector.
It strives to ensure advice and information on parasite control is relevant and accessible, hence the importance of a range of organisations and individuals in its pan-industry Steering Group, with active sheep farmers elected to help lead it.
Welcoming Harrison into his new position, SCOPS chairman Peter Baber said: “The SCOPS group is very fortunate to have had a number of high-quality applications for the role and we are delighted Kevin has accepted the position of chair-elect.
His experience as a hands-on sheep farmer, coupled with involvement in industry organisations including the National Sheep Association, will be invaluable to the work of SCOPS.
