Steve Winfield takes over from Lis Ravn who is leaving to return to her native Denmark after seven years with BPEX.

Steve started out in the pig industry as a 15-year-old who was looking for a work experience placement and, after a lot of deliberation decided to take a placement on a 350 sow indoor unit in Norfolk.

He said: “It was during those summer holidays that I started to get real experience of pig farming by starting off working in flat decks overseeing weaners, then on to serving and dry sows and finally into the farrowing houses. I worked through the ranks I was given the opportunity to manage the unit.”

In 2009 he moved to North Yorkshire and work for Dent Ltd of Penrith and worked as Assistant Production Manager. During his time there he was involved in many projects ranging from working on improving farm efficiencies to staff training days.

The introduction of a new 1,800 sow indoor nucleus herd allowed him to work on a gilt replacement programme and in recent months he has been working closely with the staff on farm on how to get the most out of the gilt.

Steve said: “I would like to say a big thank you to the people who brought me to Dents and a big thank you to those I’m leaving behind.

“I am really looking forward to joining the BPEX team. The industry is facing many challenges in such testing times but I’m sure initiatives such as the 2TS and Breed +3 can help to make a difference”.

BPEX Head of KT Andrew Knowles said: “I’d like to thank Lis for all she has done heading up the KT team and working directly with producers in the North of England.

“I would like to welcome Stephen to BPEX. He brings with him a wealth of technical knowledge and management experience from his previous role as Production Manager at Dent Farming company.”