Jim Burling of East Anglian Pigs has told the National Pig Association (NPA): “It is with much sadness that I have to inform all of you who knew Ashley Bowes of his passing away this weekend.

“Ashley was a progressive thinker, developer and supporter of ideas to the whole pig industry and beyond. He was a great supporter and mentor, helping me to develop my career. We worked closely on pig production and its impact on the processing and retailing of pork products. He will be greatly missed by the many who knew him and who worked for the family business, Bowes of Norfolk.”