The Farmers Mart Aug/Sep 2013 - Issue 29 | Page 29

DAIRY First Milk appoints Sir Jim Paice MP as new chairman Dairy farmer co-operative First Milk has appointed Sir Jim Paice MP, formerly Agriculture & Food Minister as the new chairman of the company. He will take up the position on 31 October when current chairman Bill Mustoe steps down at the company’s AGM. ‘A champion for First Milk Farmers’ “We are delighted to have recruited Jim and I am convinced that he will bring valuable skills to First Milk. “From our meetings with him, he has demonstrated a detailed understanding of the dairy sector, very strong communication skills and a considerable network of contacts. Equally importantly for our farmer members, Jim has a deep understanding and empathy for farming. “He has been a champion for farmers at Westminster for over 25 years and we now look forward to him being a champion for First Milk farmers.” ‘I am convinced he will bring valuable skills to First Milk’ Sir Jim is currently MP for South East Cambridgeshire, a position he has held since 1987. First Milk chairman Bill Mustoe commented, Ayrshire supreme champion at NDS Loukat Lucky, an in milk Ayrshire was awarded the supreme title at the NDS at this year’s Livestock Event. Lucky secured a maximum 50 points from the judging panel in the interbreed championship and the following day was among the winning Ayrshire team to secure the Bledisloe Trophy for the best group. Classified Ex93, Loukat Lucky was exhibited by Richard Bown, Worcester, who purchased her in 2009 to join his Richaven herd of 70 Holstein and five Ayrshire milking cows. She calved her third 12 months ago, and after yielding 12,909 litres at 4.79% butterfat and 3.29% protein, is still producing 38 litres a day. She has also just hit a lifetime yield of 40,000 litres. New Chief for Dairy UK The board of Dairy UK has appointed Dr Judith Bryans as the new Chief Executive of the organisation. ‘Judith has the skill and determination to build on its successes to date’ Dr Bryans is currently the Director of The Dairy Council and is respected internationally as an advocate for the dairy industry and the integrity of its products. She will take up her new position on 1st October, following the retirement of Dairy UK Director General Jim Begg. Billy Keane, Chairman of Dairy UK, commented: “Judith has the skill and determination to build on its successes to date and she will be an excellent successor to Jim Begg, who has done so much for the industry over the last 40 years. “Public health will become an increasingly important part of Dairy UK’s work, given the regulatory and legislative landscape that lies ahead. In that respect, there is no one better than Judith to bring these skills to the table.” Subscription costs just £21 for 6 issues and can be paid by credit card or cheque. Simply call Ian Wilkinson on 01226 321 450 or email [email protected]. www.farmers-mart.co.uk To read more, visit www.farmers-mart.co.uk FarmersMart Aug/Sep 2013 29