Hugh Crabtree has been issued this yr’s David Black Award for his distinctive contribution to the British pig sector spanning over 40 years.
The celebrated award was introduced by final yr’s winner, Dr Zoe Leach OBE, on the Nationwide Pig Awards in London on 20 November.
The accolade is awarded to a person or organisation that has made an excellent affect on the British pig sector via their work.
This yr’s winner has been actively concerned within the pig sector for a few years: Hugh Crabtree has devoted his profession to enhancing the sector’s welfare and financial manufacturing.
He co-founded Farmex Ltd – a market chief in air flow methods for pig manufacturing within the UK – in 1980.
Below his management, Farmex pioneered the “Barn Report” system – a real-time management and monitoring system that permits pig producers to remotely verify important capabilities, reminiscent of temperature, air flow, water and feed stream, in managed atmosphere homes.
The system has saved producers 1000’s of kilos and it delivers vital welfare enhancements.
Hugh has received the New Tools Award on the British Pig & Poultry Honest thrice, and his work is on the forefront of real-time manufacturing monitoring within the UK and the US.
He has led three UK Analysis and Innovation (UKRI)-funded collaborative R&D tasks and is lively within the discipline of precision livestock farming and the applying of knowledge and communication know-how (ICT) in agriculture.
Hugh’s communication expertise have been instrumental in highlighting the significance of correct atmosphere management to enhance each welfare and financial manufacturing.
He has led business campaigns reminiscent of “Winnie the Pig” and the long-lasting tune “Stand by Your Ham”.
Hugh has additionally inspired younger individuals to hitch the business by founding the Nick Chook Award at Harper Adams College and he chairs the Pig Business Scholarship Programme (PISP) group.
And he has held a number of business positions, together with chairman of the British Pig Affiliation, Allied Industries Group, director of the Nationwide Pig Affiliation and vice-chairman of the Nationwide Pig Affiliation.
Mike Sheldon, chair of AHDB Pork Sector Council, stated Hugh was an ‘extraordinarily worthy winner’ of the award.
“His dedication to enhancing the business’s welfare and manufacturing requirements has left an indelible mark, and this recognition is a testomony to his profound affect.
“Hugh has actually remodeled the pig business via his pioneering work at Farmex Ltd., voluntary engagements, and advocacy.
“His capability to make even essentially the most mundane matters fascinating has been a game-changer. His ardour for the trigger and distinctive communication expertise have empowered pig producers and pushed optimistic change.
“It’s nice to proudly acknowledge Hugh Crabtree’s unparalleled contributions to the business.”
Accepting the award, Hugh stated it was an incredible honour: “I’m delighted, if barely embarrassed, by the popularity of my friends and sincerely thank all these answerable for my nomination,” he added.
“Lately, as soon as once more, the pig business has had some vastly difficult occasions.
“However it’s a measure of the individuals concerned – with all their resilience, dedication and professionalism – that the sector will proceed to offer secure, nutritious and wholesome meals whereas remaining passionate concerning the welfare of the pigs in its care.”
