Agriculture lecturer chairs national conference

This week saw the annual British Cattle Breeders Conference, of which Anya Westland, Senior Lecturer and Researcher Agriculture & Countryside, is the club’s chair. Anya has been involved with the BCBC for a number of years already, and was elected Chairperson of the organisation for 2018/19 last year.

The club’s main event saw many high profile speakers, including Minette Batters – NFU president, and Christine Middlemiss – UK Chief Veterinary Officer at Defra. Anya chaired the event that was attended by a group of Myerscough agriculture degree students.

Craig Thompson is Head of Agriculture at Myerscough College and University Centre and said: ‘’This is a high profile conference of national agricultural significance and Anya has done a fantastic job in networking and gaining reputation, allowing her to be chosen for this role. It is a superb success for both Anya and Myerscough College.

‘’It is a considerable achievement and is testimony to the hard work that she’s put in with taking students to the conference, developing their networking skills and employability opportunities and promoting the College at a national level.’’

The British Cattle Breeders Club is a unique mixture of farmers, scientists and industry personnel all dedicated to the advancement of cattle breeding in both the dairy and beef sectors, with Anya’s role  strengthening links between the College, the club, and the sector.

Anya said: ‘’Last year I was elected Vice-Chair and this year was the 70^th Anniversary of the Club. This is a great honour as in the past it has been mainly men and mostly farmers or breeders. The last female chair was in 2010.

‘’The club is a mix of farmers, students, breeders, scientists and industry working together to improve the UK cattle industry. The committee is made up of people from varied organisations that are very influential in the industry.’’

Anya used the conference to promote a positive message about the challenges that lie ahead in the agriculture sector, saying: ‘’I repeatedly tell my students that change always brings opportunity and this unprecedented period in UK agriculture is no exception. Political change, population growth, climate change and the rise of consumer issues are among the challenges that provide us, as an industry, with a clear set of opportunities.

‘’The Conference highlighted these opportunities - whether they be the high health status of our herds, our branding opportunities, our diverse production methods or the enthusiasm and knowledge of those involved in the industry - and how we make the best possible use of them.

‘’The range and experience of this years’ speakers demonstrate that others share our vision on these opportunities.’’