Agribusiness Graduate Programme

Veterinary Lecturer in Farm Animal Medicine and Clinical Skills

Research Associate in Animal Biomechanics

Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Veterinary Microbiology

Grassland Development Advisor to Support Grass10 Campaign

Grassland Science Research Officer Beef Grassland

Head of Engagement - Dairy Sector

ADHB Pork Sector Director

M - 1750853336

Pride in Agriculture

Farm Steps Sustainable Livestock Residential

DNC 2026 Dinner

DNC 2026 Tickets

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Equine Registration

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SCI: Iodine uncovered - tackling the hidden deficiency in health and food systems

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Royal Agricultural University: Engaging Farmers in Research

Royal Agricultural University: Co-Designing & Funding Projects

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Sustainable Food Trust: Grazing Livestock Report 2025

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Agribusiness Graduate Programme

Full job description

North Cork Creameries are seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated individuals for our Agribusiness Graduate Programme which will commence in August 2025. This two-year graduate programme aims to provide future leaders with a comprehensive experience within our Agribusiness division. During this time, you will experience on the job training in:

  • Technical support
  • Agri sales
  • E-procurement
  • Marketing
  • Retail management


This graduate programme also provides formal training enabling you to develop the skills to flourish within our Co-operative. Disciplines covered on this program include:

  • Lean Management
  • Marketing
  • Value Stream
  • Effective Communication


North Cork Creameries Agribusiness division supports milk producers and the entire rural community with high performance animal feeds, fertilisers and a wide range of farm inputs from our 4 retail outlets at Kanturk, Cullen, Fealesbridge and Newtownsandes.


Our Mission is to optimise the growth and profitability of our co-operative's stakeholders and milk suppliers by providing them with first class technical advice and support combined with high quality, competitively priced farm inputs and excellent customer service.


Our expert Agribusiness team offers a best-in-class technical sales and advisory service to all customers. Our outlets provide a wide range of high-quality products at the most competitive prices.

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Veterinary Lecturer in Farm Animal Medicine and Clinical Skills

Location: Preston Campus

Contract type: Indefinite

Hours: 37.00 hours per week

Interview date: Thursday 17th July 2025

By joining the University of Lancashire, you’ll become part of a thriving community of talent that’s united by a shared vision – to transform the lives of our students and create prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Every colleague has a vital role to play in helping us achieve this vision.

About the role:

Do you want to make a difference and shape the future of veterinary medicine?  

We are looking for an individual to help us train a new generation of highly skilled veterinary professionals who are passionate about animal welfare.  

The new School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Lancashire is an international, research-active institution, the first facility of its kind to open in the county. You will be joining a talented team who are leading the way in modern learning today, committed to widening access and participation in veterinary education. The School is developing further research activities and postgraduate teaching opportunities, along with bespoke teaching and research environments. Collaboration with internal and external research networks is encouraged.  

You will contribute to the course development, delivery and management of undergraduate and postgraduate education for students enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine with a focus on the topic of farm animal medicine and clinical skills. You will work closely with the School of Veterinary Medicine’s academic and digital development team to create innovative and accessible learning provision to UG and PG learners, supervise and support undergraduate and postgraduate research, and contribute to the wider School and University activities.

About you:

The successful candidate will have sound knowledge and practical experience of veterinary sciences primarily focused on clinical veterinary care of farm animals and experience in delivering practical teaching and learning in veterinary medicine or related fields.

For this role you are required to have a RCVS registerable degree in veterinary science or medicine and surgery; a higher education teaching qualification or professional (e.g. PGCHE, FHEA or equivalent), or a commitment to complete within one year of appointment and a relevant Masters qualification or equivalent professional specialisation/ experience. 

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

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Research Associate in Animal Biomechanics

About the role:

Leaf-cutter ants are the prime herbivore of the Neotropics, single-mandibledly responsible for around 15% of all defoliation. A key component of this industrial foraging effort is the transport of plant matter back to the nest, which occurs along cleared ant “highways”, and involves ant workers of different sizes, carrying loads of different magnitudes, across substrates with variable inclination angles. A result of these variations is presumably a variation of the position of the centre-of-mass, and certainly of the orientation of the weight force vector with respect to the ground plane. The purpose of this project is to investigate if and if so how ants adjust their kinematics across these different scenarios to accommodate these variations efficiently.

To quantify 3D kinematics in ants, you will use a novel and world-wide unique “infinite flat working surface” established in the lab, mounted on a rotatable platform and equipped with multiple high speed cameras. The next step is then to develop a methodology to analyse complex and voluminous 3D data, through the implementation of a dimensional reduction technique that operates directly on pose vectors. The ultimate aim is to identify the systematic changes that occur in response to variations in load and substrate inclination angle.

The Research Associate position is funded through an ERC Starting Grant which aims to unravel the biomechanical determinants of insect herbivore performance and behaviour. You will join the ERC team comprised of Dr David Labonte (PI), and PhD students from different disciplines, working on different aspects of this project at the  Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London. David's multi-disciplinary group addresses biological questions with a quantitative mechanics framework, including how climbing animals can rapidly control the stickiness of the adhesive organs on their feet, how biological ceramics combine strength and toughness, and the biomechanical determinants of plant feeding in insects. More details can be found on the group’s website at evo-biomech.ic.ac.uk.

What you would be doing:

In this role, you will:

  • use an existing set-up to characterise the 3D kinematics of ant workers of different sizes, carrying various loads, on substrates with variable inclines;
  • implement a novel method based on dimensional reduction, to analyse the resulting 3D data, and compare it across experimental conditions.

You will also have the opportunity to supervise MEng/MSc students. Where desired, experiences in other teaching roles, including lecturing, will be enabled as part of the broad range of career development opportunities that Imperial makes available to its postdoctoral research staff. There are several opportunities to visit laboratories across the world for collaborative work.

What we are looking for:

To be successful in the role, you will be a friendly, motivated, critical and independent candidate with a PhD (or equivalent) in bioengineering, biomechanics, or related fields, and a keen interest in the intersection between mechanics and biology. 

You will ideally have in 3D kinematic characterisation of animal locomotion, biomechanical modelling, and experimental work with insects. You will need to be able to conduct work with live and dead insects, possess excellent organisational skills, the ability to work toward deadlines with minimal supervision, and have strong written and oral communication skills.

You will be engaging, supportive and motivating in all interactions with other researchers and students in the department, and provide mentorship where appropriate. You will also have a strong interest in being part of a collaborative and inclusive research group.

What we can offer you:

  • The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
  • Grow your career: gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
  • Access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression.
  • Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes)
  • Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further Information

The post is available to start no later than 01 October 2025 on a full-time on a fixed-term contract for 12 months in the first instance, with any extension subject to research funding.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Dr David Labonte at d.labonte@imperial.ac.uk.

Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 13 July 2025

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you experience any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at support.jobs@imperial.ac.uk. We're here to help.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial.

Our culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination and creating an inclusive working environment. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our webpages.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity and innovation.

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Lecturer/Assistant Professor in Veterinary Microbiology

UCD School of Veterinary Medicine is the only Veterinary School in Ireland and offers degree programmes in Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Nursing. The portfolio of educational offerings in the School of Veterinary Medicine includes both undergraduate and graduate entry streams to veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, an expanding range of taught graduate programmes, structured and thematic PhD programmes, specialist clinical training (residency/DVMS programmes) and continuing professional development offerings. These programmes maintain the highest educational standards and are recognised for their quality nationally and internationally. A wide variety of pedagogical approaches are employed, including enquiry-based learning, blended and online learning and small group teaching. The veterinary microbiology diagnostic laboratories of the UCD Veterinary Hospital (UCDVH) provide rapid in-house veterinary diagnostic services to veterinary practitioners around Ireland, particip ate in teaching veterinary and nursing students and practitioners, and provide analytical and interpretive support for veterinary, agricultural and medical research.

Salary: 95 Lecturer/Asst Professor Above The Bar (7943) €64,112 - €101,524 per annum

Appointment will be made on scale and in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines.

Closing date: 12:00 noon (local Irish time) on 11/07/2025

Applications must be submitted by the closing date and time specified. Any applications which are still in progress at the closing time of 12:00 noon (Local Irish Time) on the specified closing date will be cancelled automatically by the system. UCD are unable to accept late applications.

UCD do not require assistance from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV's submitted by Recruitment Agencies will be returned.

Note: Hours of work for academic staff are those as prescribed under Public Service Agreements. For further information please follow link below:

https://www.ucd.ie/hr/t4media/AcademicContract.pdf

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Grassland Development Advisor to Support Grass10 Campaign

Basic Function:

 

This role entails developing and expanding improved pasture management practises and nutrient management at farm level, resulting in livestock farmers achieving increases in grazing management knowledge, pasture production and utilisation, and nutrient use efficiency through the Grass10 campaign, with a particular focus on the uptake of white clover.

The objectives of this role will be achieved through:

  1. The creation, publication and extension of resources and tools that support the Grass10 campaign, leading to the adoption of good pasture management practices on-farm.
  2. Promotion of PastureBase Ireland and promotion of pasture measurement across all ruminant enterprises.
  3. Enhancing knowledge and uptake of measures to enhance nutrient use efficiency and mitigation of nutrient losses to the environment.
  4. Promoting the establishment and management of clover swards on dairy and drystock farms through focussed campaigns and events.
  5. Development and delivery of an effective grassland management extension programme, to ensure that Teagasc advisers and industry professionals deliver consistent best-practice advice to farmers.
  6. The delivery of appropriate training events and workshops for farmers and industry.

 

Background: 

Grass10 is a multi-year campaign to increase pasture utilisation on Irish livestock farms (dairy, beef and sheep), with the objective of achieving: (1) 10 tonnes grass DM/ha/year utilised; and (2) 10 grazings/paddock/year, while at the same time reducing the N surplus while maintaining forage self-sufficiency.

Job Objectives

  • Collaborate with the Clover150 programme to demonstrate best practise in clover establishment and management to the grassland industry, delivering clover workshops on commercial farms and Teagasc Research Centres.
  • In conjunction with Clover150, coordinate the rollout of a wider technical advisory campaign to promote increased use of clover for grazing (and silage) swards, with concomitant adjustments to N fertilizer use targets.   
  • Promote nutrient management on farm by providing farmers with up-to-date information through PastureBase Ireland on fertilizer use, level of fertilizer requirements and soil fertility.
  • Develop and roll out communication pathways to enhance understanding of nutrient use efficiency metrics, N surplus management, and mitigation of nutrient losses, in the context of profitable grazing systems.
  • Assist in producing a weekly Grass10 newsletter in collaboration with PastureBase (PBI) staff and Dairy/Drystock KT colleagues (www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10).
  • Produce a weekly Grass10 management notes podcast on the Dairy Edge platform, and contribute content to the wider Dairy Edge podcast as required.
  • Promote the use of PastureBase Ireland (www.pbi.ie) by farmers, working closely with technical advisers and the PastureBase Ireland team.
  • Deliver regular PastureBase training webinars and updates to Teagasc staff, farmers and industry personnel in collaboration with PBI staff.
  • Assist with delivery of grazing management content and workshops at Teagasc dairy and beef regional and national events.
  • Contribute/write technical papers, publications and articles for Irish livestock farmers relevant to Grass10, including publishing to www.teagasc.ie and Teagasc social media channels.
  • Assist Teagasc in meeting commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
  • Actively participate in the risk management, annual business planning and PMDS processes and take responsibility for own professional development
  • Fully co-operate with the provisions for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations.  This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
  • Carry out such other duties as assigned from time to time.

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Grassland Science Research Officer Beef Grassland

Basic Function:

The position will be based at Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation centre, Grange, Dunsany Co. Meath. Teagasc Grange is Ireland’s leading beef research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of beef production research which include grassland and grazing management, beef breeding and reproduction, animal cow health and welfare, beef quality and beef animal nutrition, plus economic systems analysis. Grange is part of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Teagasc and has extensive facilities for field and laboratory research. The research programme is conducted by over 20 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff.  Teagasc has an international reputation for researching and developing grass-based systems of livestock production and this candidate will work with a dynamic team of researchers, technologists, technicians, farm staff and specialists at Grange.

 

Background:

The reliance of Irish beef production on grazed and conserved pasture is the highest in Europe which results in increased competitiveness and resilience of the systems operated. The incorporation of legumes in predominantly perennial ryegrass pastures represents a major opportunity to increase animal performance and reduce environmental impacts in Irish pasture-based beef grazing systems. White and red clovers have nitrogen (N)-fixing characteristics which support reduced nitrogen use and improved digestion efficiencies that can be exploited on grass-based beef systems. However, the supply of plant available N due to fixation and from soil mineralization needs to be better quantified. Furthermore, the factors influencing supply of plant available N require greater investigation. The efficient production of grass silage from legume-based swards and consequent animal and environmental performance is also a key objective of grass-based beef systems. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with a number of colleagues in the Grassland Science Department, beef researchers at Grange and across the Teagasc organization in conjunction with external partners and stakeholders. This work will develop information to support the pasture modelling team at Teagasc to enhance the nutrient sub-models in the MoSt grass growth model and PastureBase Ireland

Job Objectives

  • Identify the factors to increase grass utilization in perennial ryegrass/white clover swards.
  • Develop grazing strategies to optimize the performance of grazing beef cattle at pasture with grass clover swards with low and moderate nitrogen inputs
  • Design approaches and experiments to fully understand how grazing and conservation of legumes (specifically white and red clover) can be optimized to deliver higher levels of DM production, N fixation, reduce N surplus and increase N use efficiency.
  • Develop new research approaches on best practice management to increase the overall DM productivity and persistence of white clover (grazing) and red clover swards (conservation).
  • Investigate the agronomy of productivity aspects of silage swards with/without legumes (DM production, sward quality and animal performance).
  • Understand the potential additive role of herb species (plantain, chicory, etc) to Irish grassland systems.
  • Develop a range of methodologies to understand the effect of above ground sward dynamics and root dynamics on grazing and conservation growth phases.
  • Liase with other members of the Teagasc to develop the swards/legume agronomy research across enterprises and grazing/conservation regimes
  • Daily management/supervision of research operations and liaising with research, advisory and education staff to deliver the grassland research programme including the realisation of experimental objectives and protocols
  • Ensure the research undertaken can be actively and timely applied on commercial grassland farms
  • Actively recruit postgraduate students to underpin the research focus and area
  • To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
  • To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
  • To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
  • To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

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Head of Engagement - Dairy Sector

AHDB is currently recruiting for the pivotal role of Head of Engagement for our Dairy sector, working across Great Britain. 

This key position has responsibility for the development and delivery of farmer engagement activities in the Dairy sector. The role holder will ensure effective linkages throughout AHDB to ensure successful delivery and value for levy payers. Flexibility to travel across Great Britain and a full UK driving licence is essential.

We are looking for an experienced people manager with expertise in the Dairy sector. You will have previously led and managed teams to deliver successful outcomes, while maintaining a strong profile and connection with key external stakeholders. Extensive experience of planning and presenting at industry events would also be an advantage.

At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we inspire our farmers, growers, and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Working at AHDB, you will not just be supporting our farmers to produce the food we eat and look after our environment, you will be helping to shape the future of food production and leaving a legacy for the next generation.

Responsibilities

 

  • Work closely with the Dairy Sector Council and Dairy Sector Director to ensure successful delivery of the business plan, within budget, while maintaining and developing partnerships with key stakeholders
  • Provide strategic leadership for activities covering Knowledge Transfer, Knowledge Exchange and Dairy Events, including line management of senior team members
  • Develop and maintain a strong profile and connection with the sector, providing industry representation where required
  • Ensure a coordinated approach to the creation and delivery of levy payer facing activity, materials, tools, and messages to deliver benefits for a given sector
  • Develop and exploit new business improvement approaches, tools, and products
  • Use business analysis/insights, levy data and personal contact to maintain knowledge and understanding of levy payer, stakeholder, and industry interests
  • Support the Sector Director with a strong understanding of the industry landscape and its challenges, championing the sector externally
  • Ensure cross sector working opportunities are identified and actioned
  • Ensure that the benefits of AHDB work are clearly communicated to the industry

 

Essential Criteria

  • Significant experience working with and understanding of key aspects of the Dairy industry, and hold a relevant degree/qualification
  • Experienced people manager with a proven track record of building a strong team spirit and confidently setting a clear direction for others
  • Skilled communicator with extensive experience of writing and presenting to senior levels of the industry
  • Ability to think strategically and experience of developing and delivering strategic plans
  • Excellent networker and relationship builder
  • Committed team player and self-starter with energy and drive
  • Extensive experience of managing significant budgets to high levels of governance
  • Experience of working with government agencies, research, and commercial organisations to develop opportunities
  • A valid full UK driving licence with the flexibility to travel to meetings as and when required

The benefits…

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities, to give you the recognition you deserve:

  • 35 hours per week
  • 33 days annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays)
  • Life assurance cover (4 x salary)
  • A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
  • Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
  • Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  • Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
  • Recognition Awards throughout the year
  • Access to the Government’s tax-free childcare scheme
  • Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings

Apply now to take the next step in your career. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to call us on 02476 935722.

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

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ADHB Pork Sector Director

An exciting opportunity to join AHDB as a Pork Sector Director has arisen – this is a pivotal role as we embark on the next exciting phase for AHDB. The successful candidate will report to the CEO and form part of the leadership team. The role is UK based and offers a unique and extensive opportunity to be involved in a vast range of national and international subjects. The flexibility to travel widely is therefore essential.

The Pork Sector Director works closely with the Sector Chair and Council to agree what work the organisation will deliver and how its value will be measured. The role supports strategic thinking and relies upon establishing strong and effective relationships throughout domestic supply chains, internationally and with AHDB colleagues in specialist teams. 

We are seeking a results-driven candidate with a profound understanding of livestock, and / or processing of meat products, proven leadership and teambuilding skills, with a natural ability to facilitate collaboration with industry stakeholders.

At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we inspire our farmers, growers and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Working at AHDB, you won’t just be helping our farmers produce the food we eat and look after our environment, you’ll be helping to shape the future of food production and leaving a legacy for the next generation.

 

Responsibilities

  • Ensure the development and delivery of clear and measurable sector plans with the Pork Sector Chair, council and colleagues, proposing work that will optimise the strategic value of the levy spend for levy payers
  • As part of the leadership team, create a collaborative winning mindset culture across AHDB, demonstrating and promoting our new cultural values and behaviours
  • Focus on achieving the best value for money for levy payers, identifying any areas where cross sector collaboration could improve our value. Identify best practices that may be applicable or learned from other sectors or countries and bring them to the council for consideration
  • Work in partnership with the Sector Council to ensure that the sector plan and budget set by the council will deliver appropriate, relevant and sustainable value for levy-payers. Highlight areas and opportunities to employ investment in growth / new initiatives so that the Sector Council can guide expenditure to optimise returns for levy payers
  • Line management of the Head of Engagement and Strategic Communications, working with their team to optimise digital and actual interaction with levy payers to support their businesses
  • Develop and maintain a strong profile and connection within the Pork sector – networking and building supply chain relationships, both nationally and internationally
  • Develop strong awareness from both within and outside the organisation, of opportunities to grow and improve our positive impact for the sector, or which threaten our ability to succeed
  • Work collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure that stakeholder mapping, management and engagement are ingrained in delivering the sector plans through cross sector working and championing specific topic areas

 

Essential Criteria

  • A track record of delivering results and improving performance in complex organisations and environments in a senior position
  • Effective experience in managing people and collaboration with stakeholders and colleagues to deliver demonstrable value
  • Proven experience of working at a strategic level with evidence of delivering on vision
  • Significant knowledge of the production of livestock and / or processing of meat products
  • Politically aware, with the ability to work with ambiguity, using influencing skills to develop strong working relationships
  • First class communication skills, with the ability to proactively approach and succinctly share knowledge, ideas and solutions
  • Excellent networking skills, having established good business relationships and able to generate credibility with teams, stakeholders and boards

The benefits…

We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities, to give you the recognition you deserve:

  • 35 hours per week
  • 30 days annual leave plus one privilege day and bank holidays
  • Life assurance cover (4 x salary)
  • A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
  • Enhanced pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave
  • Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
  • Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
  • Recognition Awards throughout the year
  • Access to the Government’s tax-free childcare scheme
  • Reward Gateway membership – this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings

Apply now, or call 02476 935722 if you require any further information.

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Pride in Agriculture

Author: Stefan Yerby (he/him) 

Bio: Stef is an R&D fellow working in the Farming Science Team. Coming from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, Stef spent a decade farming sheep, beef and dairy before moving into research.  

I don’t come from a farming family, but I’ve always loved animals. At thirteen, I started my own enterprise collecting as many livestock as I could. By sixteen, I had accumulated over 200 sheep, cattle, pigs and goats. I had plenty of time, as I’d mastered the art of bunking off school and not getting caught! School – like church, the other main pillar of my home life – was not particularly tolerant of LGBTQ+ people, and consequently much of my childhood was tumultuous. Farming became my escape – I was quite good at it, and it felt safe. But as I got more involved in the sector, I quickly realised how very different I was from almost everyone else working around me. So, like many queer teenagers, I presented two versions of myself. The first, a bull wrangling, tractor driving, straw-chewing farmer; the second, who usually only appeared after dark and in the company of a few close friends, was far less masculine, enjoyed donning big jewellery, eyeliner and sparkling jumpsuits. Neither of these personas really embodied who I was, but compartmentalisation is a survival tactic employed by many queer youth struggling with identity and acceptance. But, as I'm sure some of you reading this will know, pretending to be something that you are not is exhausting, and unsustainable… I quit farming when I was in my early twenties and now whenever I'm introducing myself, I usually use the one liner: "I moved from farming into research to have a rest". It is true that farming is incredibly hard work, but it wasn't just the long hours that tired me out - I was exhausted of trying to fit into a hyper-masculine industry where I felt like I didn't belong.

When I was pushed out of the closet a few years before I stopped actively farming, some of my peers made it quite clear that they believed homosexuality and farming was an unwelcome juxtaposition (more colourful language was frequently used). So, I set about trying to prove them wrong, rearing cows that won best in class at the shows, and being meticulous in the parlour to make sure the herd was always on the top of the dairy leader board for having the cleanest milk. Yet this made little difference to the opinion of those that believe that sexuality and identity impact someone's ability to do a job. (The truth is, some of the best stockmen I've met later in my career are queer, so maybe it does…)

Since leaving Guernsey eight years ago I've had the privilege of travelling, working, and studying in several countries across Europe and North America, and I've realised that LGBTQ+ folk are everywhere. It's easy for people to assume that we don't exist in farming communities because, often, we don't have great visibility - but that doesn't mean we're absent. Queer invisibility in farming probably stems from the fact that discrimination can be particularly pronounced in primary industry and the fear of being rejected from a small, tight-knit community can cause us to hide pieces of ourselves away.

I'm not going to propose a solution to this problem because I don't have one, but I do think those of us working in agriculture-adjacent fields can play a part. In my experience, people in academia and the civil service are generally fantastic at celebrating diversity. So, let's keep showing up for ourselves, our LGBTQ+ colleagues with boots on the ground, and especially, let's show up for those who would prefer it if we kept our diversity behind closed doors. Happy Pride month!

Stefan is completing a PhD at the University of Glasgow, works for Defra and is Chair of the BSAS Early Career Committee. We wish Stef continued success in his career and thank him for sharing his story.

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Farm Steps Sustainable Livestock Residential

The Farm Steps Sustainable Livestock Residential is a free, two-day training course held in the Lake District. It covers practical topics including livestock husbandry, business benchmarking, carbon literacy, effective medicine use, and antimicrobial resistance. The course includes accommodation and meals, offering participants an informal setting and time to learn, reflect, and connect with others in the sector. It’s aimed especially at those who don’t often get the chance to attend training or step away from the farm.

** APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON 4th JULY AT 5PM **

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Evaluation of reactivity and learning ability of Icelandic horses in comparison to Haflingers and Shetland ponies reared in Austria.

This study was shortlisted for the 2024 Thesis of the Year Award and was completed as part of Maja Guenther studies for a BSc (Hons) in Equine Science at the University of Limerick supervised by Soraya Morscher. The research aimed to evaluate the differences in reactivity  learning and problem-solving ability of Icelandic horses compared to Haflingers and Shetland ponies raised in Austria.

Temperament of horses is a heritable trait and differs between breeds and learning is linked to behaviour, meaning that breed differences are common. Previous studies have assessed the behaviour in horses of performance breeds such as thoroughbreds. Little is known about how Icelandic horses compare to other native breeds of similar temperaments in comparable management and environmental conditions.

This research involves six Icelandic horses, five Haflinger horses, three Shetland ponies using and three different tests. Certain temperaments or behavioural characteristics make a breed more suitable to a certain task than other breeds, and a horse's ability to learn implies what training method would be the most effective. Icelandic horses have been primarily bred as a riding horse and commonly compete in gaited competitions, where the outputs of this study could highlight other disciplines in which Icelandic horses could thrive. It was hypothesised that due to the adaptation of the breed to succeed in harsh environmental conditions, the breed could be extremely versatile, with low reactivity and a good learning ability.

To minimise external environmental influences, all equines included in the study were raised in Austria under similar management and training regimes.

- Reactivity Test: The horses and ponies were exposed to a novel object, a blue bag, introduced into their enclosures. Over a five-minute period, researchers recorded behavioural responses, including object fear and play behaviours.

- Learning Ability Test: The equines underwent an operant conditioning task where they were trained to touch a target following a verbal cue using positive reinforcement. The time required for learning and distractions during the task was measured.

- Problem-Solving Test: Each horse and pony were given a box-opening task to assess their ability to focus, explore, and successfully solve a problem.

In the reactivity test, Icelandic horses were more focused on their handlers compared to the other breeds. Shetland ponies demonstrated the highest interest in the novel object, while Haflingers showed the least engagement. Additionally, geldings focused more on the novel object than mares. Haflingers required more time to learn and showed the highest level of distraction across breeds. Icelandic horses, while less distracted, displayed a similar learning rate to Shetland ponies. Interestingly, mares took longer to learn, but this did not affect their ability to provide correct responses. During the problem-solving task, Icelandic horses exhibited the greatest focus on their handlers, possibly indicating heightened cooperation. Haflingers were significantly less engaged in this task, while Icelandic horses had the highest success rate and showed more exploratory behaviours such as sniffing, biting, and touching the problem-solving object. As observed in previous tasks, older horses were less engaged, while geldings generally showed more focus than mares.

The study showed that Haflingers were the least focused across tasks, indicating a lack of engagement, which is a detrimental factor to learning, affecting the breed's ability to perform. Shetland ponies displayed differing levels of performance across tasks, and performance was increased by feed motivation. Across tasks, Icelandic horses were the most focused on the handler, indicating greater cooperation or awareness of the handler’s ability to help in the task.   Whilst they also showed greater problem-solving abilities, the study highlights that Icelandic horses display favourable behavioural characteristics and could be trained to perform in multiple equine disciplines.

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SCI: Iodine uncovered - tackling the hidden deficiency in health and food systems

Synopsis

Iodine deficiency is prevalent in Europe and, according to the World Health Organization remains the world’s “greatest single cause of preventable brain damage”. Iodine deficiency during brain development has been associated with poor school performance and reduced intellectual capacity. In the UK, deficiency predominantly affects women from adolescence onwards. Join us for a one-day event exploring the significance of iodine in the human diet, the limitations and benefits of food sources such as milk, dairy, fish, and salt, and the strategies available to combat deficiency at both national and global levels. We will examine interventions ranging from biofortification and food processing to policy development and industry engagement. Hear from experts across health, agriculture, and food systems, and gain a clearer understanding of iodine’s importance and the opportunities for supporting healthier, iodine-sufficient populations through research, policy, and practice.


Attendees

This event is open to anyone interested in tackling iodine deficiency and its effects on health. It will be particularly useful for healthcare professionals, nutritionists and public health workers who want to understand more about iodine and its role in development and well-being. Researchers and academics in areas such as nutrition, agriculture and food science will find up-to-date information on biofortification, food sources and iodine intake. Farmers, food producers and food technologists may be interested in the practical ways to improve iodine content through agriculture and food processing. Policymakers, campaign groups and people involved in public health planning will hear evidence that can support decision making and intervention design. The focus of the event is on national and system-wide approaches, though some talks will also touch on how individuals can think about iodine in their diets.


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Where: Online via Teams

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Where: Online via Teams

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BSAS Operations Executive - Catherine Lowe

 

Hello! I’m sure you have all heard of me by now, from my many, many emails! But in case you haven’t, I started as the new Operations Executive here at BSAS back in March this year. Although new to the role, I am no stranger to animal science, having come from a zoo background. I worked as a keeper at a small animal park on the edge of the beautiful Peak District for many years before BSAS. As well as some years in veterinary practice, specifically in emergency and critical care. I still also volunteer for the UK Wild Otter Trust as a fundraising and communications officer because, well, I LOVE OTTERS. My academic journey was also very “zoo” focused, having attended Nottingham Trent University for my BSc in Zoo Biology, before doing my MSc in Zoo Management & Conservation at Askham Bryan in York. My love of all thing's “zoo” follows me to my home in Sheffield, with my own menagerie consisting of a cat, parrot, frog and axolotls!  

Starting at BSAS it is no exaggeration to say I was thrown in at the deep-end, having to attend the 2025 conference in Galway little over a month after starting! As daunting as this was, I had an amazing time and was lucky enough to meet in person some of our lovely members. The big thing I noticed at BSAS, which I felt was lacking in other conferences I have attended, was a real community feel. I had heard people referring to BSAS as a “family” and after Galway, I couldn’t agree more. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming, and made for a great atmosphere!! As anxious and as “out-of-place" I felt, I can honestly say, I cannot wait for the next one!  

Now going forward, one of my main roles is managing membership now it has been transferred to back in-house. One of the key aims is that I want to ensure that we are offering something for everyone and that all members feel the value in their BSAS membership. I have had the chance to review your feedback from the membership survey that was sent out earlier this year, and one thing was clear—you want more training and CPD opportunities. So that is something I am hoping to deliver. It will also come as no surprise given my background,  that I hope to expand our offering and make “animal science” more encompassing, with a bigger focus on different animal groups, including domestic, companion, and zoo animals.  So, watch this space!!! 

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Meet Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee: Championing Equine Science and Early Career Excellence


Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee wears many hats—and each one reflects her passion for advancing animal science, education, and the next generation of researchers. As a member of the BSAS Early Career Council (ECC) and Publications Committee, she is actively shaping the future of animal science while supporting others on similar career paths.

Currently based at the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), Victoria coordinates the postgraduate Equine Science programme and teaches on the undergraduate veterinary medicine course. Her academic journey has always revolved around scientific curiosity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equine health and education.

Victoria’s research interests lie in equine genetics and the genomics of complex traits such as polygenic diseases and performance. She also applies advanced statistical modelling to better understand equine health data. Alongside this, she explores how pedagogy can be improved across veterinary and animal science education—proving her dedication to both discovery and delivery.

A former PhD student at the Royal Veterinary College, Victoria was awarded the 2023 McKeever Prize for Best Original Research Paper by a graduating student, recognising her groundbreaking work on the genomic architecture of equine exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Her involvement in BSAS extends well beyond membership. As ECC representative on the Publications Committee, she plays an important role in shaping how scientific work is shared across the community. She also contributes to initiatives like the BSAS Undergraduate Thesis of the Year Award, helping spotlight emerging talent in animal science.

Through BSAS, Victoria has found a platform to contribute to the wider scientific community and connect with peers, mentors, and leaders in the field. “Being part of BSAS gives me opportunities to engage with other researchers, broaden my understanding of current issues in animal science, and have a real impact early in my career,” she says.

Outside the lab and lecture hall, Victoria is equally energetic—riding horses, cycling, and even refereeing rugby matches in her spare time.

Whether in the classroom, field, or peer-review meeting, Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee exemplifies the spirit of BSAS: passionate, collaborative, and committed to the progress of animal science.

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Remembering James France


James France, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph (Canada), passed away in December 2024. James was a distinguished scholar, dedicated educator and cherished colleague whose contributions to mathematical modelling in agricultural sciences left an indelible mark on the academic community – Jim to all of us who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him.

Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, UK, Jim obtained his BSc (honours) in Mathematics at Cardiff University in 1972. He excelled in mathematics and graduated with a PhD at the University of Hull.

After working as a research officer at the Research and Intelligence Unit of South Yorkshire County Council and Commission of the European Communities, he accepted a position with the Agriculture Research Council at the Grassland Research Institute at Hurley, near Maidenhead (UK), in 1979. There, he began his career as a specialist in mathematical modelling of all aspects of animal physiology, with a focus on rumen function, digesta passage and dairy cow nutrition, areas of research that he pursued throughout his career. At Hurley, Jim worked with John H.M. Thornley (1936–2023), his long-time scientific colleague and co-author of many scientific publications. Together, they published the first edition of their classic book Mathematical Models in Agriculture in 1984, followed by a second edition in 2007. Their work has been foundational in understanding and predicting the behaviour of agricultural and ecological systems through quantitative methods. They led the way in showing the value of interdisciplinary research. Following the closure of the Hurley site in 1992, Jim transferred to North Wyke, Okehampton (UK), as part of the newly formed Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, where he completed work on a dynamic simulation model of rumen function with colleagues from Wageningen University. During his time at Hurley and North Wyke, Jim served as Head of Biomathematics and Deputy Head of Animal and Microbial Sciences. Jim had a prolific and impactful academic career. In 1997, Jim was appointed Research Professor of Biomathematics at the University of Reading, where he established a biomathematics research group and developed compartmental models of protein turnover. In 2003, he received the Senior Canada Research Chair in Biomathematics in Animal Nutrition at the University of Guelph and moved with his family to Canada, where he founded and led the Centre for Nutrition Modelling. In 2011, Jim undertook a sabbatical in Spain to continue his long-standing collaboration on growth functions and feed evaluation systems with scientists at the University of Leon. Jim became Professor Emeritus at the Department of Animal Biosciences of the University of Guelph on his retirement in 2017 and continued to work as a scientist, ‘emptying the bottom desk drawer’ of in-progress work and contributing further articles to scientific journals up until the time of his death, with further articles to be published posthumously. From 1986 until his retirement, Jim was a visiting professor at the University of California – Davis, Wageningen University, University of León and Newcastle University. Throughout his career, Jim published 10 books and more than 865 journal articles. As of November 2024, his works have been cited more than 31,900 times.

Jim was one of the leading organisers of the workshops on modelling nutrient digestion and utilisation in farm animals (MODNUT). The international meeting is held every 3–5 years to discuss the application of modelling across multiple disciplines of animal nutrition and feeding of farm animals. He was also the coordinator for the Agricultural Research Modellers’ Group in the UK from the mid-1980s until 2003 and subsequently established an Animal Science Modellers’ Group following his move to Guelph. Jim’s ethos was that animal modelling should be based on scientific pluralism and data mining, with an emphasis on solving biological problems rather than applying mathematical techniques and collaborated with many scientists globally to progress this vision.

During the course of his career, he was known not only for his pioneering research in the mathematical modelling of animal nutrition but also for his unwavering commitment to mentoring students, globally, and fostering a passion for discovery in the next generation of scientists.

Jim was a very valuable member of the Editorial Board of The Journal of Agricultural Science, published by Cambridge University Press, and published several papers in the journal either as a senior or co-author.

Beyond academia, Jim was a devoted family member, a loyal friend and an active member of the scientific community. Jim met his wife, Judith, while they were studying at the University of Hull (UK), and they were married in 1976. He found joy in hiking, chatting over a coffee, travelling and reading books about history, philosophy and science. He was an avid football fan and enjoyed woodwork as well as gardening.

Jim left a mark that impacted the lives of many people. He is survived by Judith, their three sons and four grandchildren, as well as countless friends, former students and colleagues who will forever remember his warmth and brilliance. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered

Shared from - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/article/obituary-james-france-phd-dsc-fima-cmath-csci/8915CFEFB46E6D263E3C8A92072322A7

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IUKBC: Knowledge Transfer Manager – AgriFood – Livestock and Aquaculture

Purpose of the role

Livestock and aquaculture are a key part of the £120 billion AgriFood sector in the UK. Livestock represents a significant proportion of the agricultural sector both by value and land use area, and aquaculture is an important industry sector producing high-value exports, and with strong growth potential around the world. Innovation is crucial to ensure success in the sector, and also to deliver targets related to Net Zero and key UN Sustainable Development Goals. We are looking to recruit a new team member that can enhance our deep expertise and powerful connections, and drive positive change in this important industry sector.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join us in driving innovation within the AgriFood sector, with a particular emphasis on supporting those companies working in livestock and aquaculture. The role will facilitate business growth and help promote and drive knowledge transfer between the science and technology base and industry, promoting networking and accelerating innovation relevant to AgriFood businesses. You will help catalyse the development of new technology enabled products and processes that will benefit businesses, the economy, the environment and society.

The post will be varied, working with businesses across the AgriFood sector but with a focus on opportunities driven by industrial challenges of the livestock and aquaculture industries. An appreciation of, or experience in the use of science and innovation within these industries is required.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • To lead innovation and business growth in Livestock and Aquaculture, as well as other areas of AgriFood including farmer engagement, displaying significant technical expertise and experience in these key areas.
  • Leading/supporting delivery of large and complex projects and programmes of activity, particularly the ongoing delivery of the Farming Innovation Programme in partnership with Innovate UK and Defra.
  • Managing and motivating delivery teams, to ensure effective operational management, and cohesive delivery.
  • Build and influence a strong and engaged community of UK innovators/innovation stakeholders within the AgriFood sector, with a particular focus on business. This includes leadership and delivery of the high-profile Advisory Groups, as well as management of relationships with key stakeholders such as Innovate UK and Defra.
  • Directly engage with businesses providing support through access to investment and making new connections and collaborations.
  • To engage businesses with UK research and innovation assets (including the UK AgriTech Centre/Catapults) and engage with business communities through our networks and sector development growth projects.
  • Develop, maintain and monitor relationships with Innovate UK Business Connect members and key stakeholders including regular company visits.
  • Develop a broad network of strategically aligned contacts and build senior level external partnerships.
  • Identify and Champion defined areas of importance to the UK economy such as AgriTech in Livestock and Aquaculture, or areas of emerging potential.
  • Deliver key business metrics, and track progress, capturing outcomes and success stories.
  • Lead/manage a series of key programmes and/or events of relevance to a key UK industry sector or strategic technology.
  • Act as a network facilitator within and across key, strategic communities.
  • Engage across Innovate UK Business Connect to stimulate cross-sector collaboration and support/mentor colleagues.
  • Undertake reporting obligations in line with Innovate UK Business Connect goals for impact measurement.
  • Lead on workshops/programme delivery, with high levels of company seniority or complexity.
  • Take responsibility for complex and new areas, scoping out the challenge and defining knowledge transfer activities to meet a defined outcome.
  • Identify new opportunities that can support the specific project and subsequent projects.

Experience & Skills

Essential Experience

  • A background in a relevant science, agriculture or related discipline is required to degree level, or equivalent experience.
  • Experience at a technical, academic or business level with the agriculture sector (and preferably experience in livestock or aquaculture), with knowledge and experience in a business-relevant field in the private sector desirable.
  • Experience of delivering projects for external customers or working with industrial collaborators would be advantageous.
  • An awareness of innovation facilitation, knowledge transfer or business development processes would be beneficial.

Desirable Experience

  • Familiarity with the UK innovation ecosystem and a strong network across government, industry, research.

Skills

  • Highly motivated, self-starting and results oriented individual with leadership qualities and experience.
  • Team player with good relationship building and influencing skills; enjoys working in a collaborative manner in an open and diverse environment.
  • Strong communicator with well-developed written and verbal skills, able to translate complex topics for a broad audience.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with and understand the needs and capabilities with stakeholders across a range of technical and/or industrial disciplines.
  • Knowledgeable about the challenges and opportunities in Livestock and Aquaculture, wider agricultural innovation needs, and farmer-led innovation support.
  • High level of IT literacy and organisational skills.

Benefits & how to apply

  • Salary £48,685 pa
  • 28 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
  • Enhanced Pension Plan
  • Life Assurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Wider Wallet employee benefits high street discounts scheme
  • Opportunities for continuous professional development as part of our Talent & Development Programme.

This is a maternity cover until August 2026.

This advert will close on Sunday 8th June.

First stage interviews will be held w/c 16th June

Second stage interviews will be held w/c 23rd and 30th June.

Please apply by submitting a tailored cover letter outlining your suitability with specifics relating to the requirements of the role, and your CV outlining your experience.

Applicants must have the existing and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions as sponsorship for visas is not provided. Unfortunately, owing to the high number of applications received, we can only provide feedback to applicants selected for interview.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Should you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact the Recruitment Team by email to recruitment@iukbc.org.uk.

Innovate UK Business Connect strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We welcome everyone to apply, especially those individuals who are underrepresented in the industry: people of colour, LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, people of any age or family status. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we strive to create a working environment that is inclusive, and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to removing barriers for individuals with conditions, illnesses or disabilities and we will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable adjustments to participate in the job application or interview process, and in their future role.

If you would like to request any reasonable adjustment, for any part of the recruitment process (including application), please let us know by emailing recruitment@iukbc.org.uk

About Innovate UK Business Connect

We connect ideas, people, and communities to drive innovation that changes lives.

Innovation is complex. The journey from idea to market is not straightforward and requires a diverse range of know-how, investment, market knowledge and research. Innovate UK Business Connect exists to connect innovators with new partners and new opportunities beyond their existing thinking – accelerating ambitious ideas into real-world solutions.

The future holds both challenges and opportunities. We are passionate about working with innovative businesses to overcome these challenges and shape the opportunities and solutions that follow.

Our vision is to create a network of innovators so powerful its ideas will change the world.

While business is at the heart of our work, our diverse connections span government, funders, research and the third sector. This unrivalled overview and connectivity enable us to be a trusted guide through a complex global landscape of research, development, and innovation.

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Remembering Professor James France

James France, Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph (Canada), passed away in December 2024. James was a distinguished scholar, dedicated educator and cherished colleague whose contributions to mathematical modelling in agricultural sciences left an indelible mark on the academic community – Jim to all of us who had the pleasure and honour of knowing him.

Born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, UK, Jim obtained his BSc (honours) in Mathematics at Cardiff University in 1972. He excelled in mathematics and graduated with a PhD at the University of Hull.

After working as a research officer at the Research and Intelligence Unit of South Yorkshire County Council and Commission of the European Communities, he accepted a position with the Agriculture Research Council at the Grassland Research Institute at Hurley, near Maidenhead (UK), in 1979. There, he began his career as a specialist in mathematical modelling of all aspects of animal physiology, with a focus on rumen function, digesta passage and dairy cow nutrition, areas of research that he pursued throughout his career. At Hurley, Jim worked with John H.M. Thornley (1936–2023), his long-time scientific colleague and co-author of many scientific publications. Together, they published the first edition of their classic book Mathematical Models in Agriculture in 1984, followed by a second edition in 2007. Their work has been foundational in understanding and predicting the behaviour of agricultural and ecological systems through quantitative methods. They led the way in showing the value of interdisciplinary research. Following the closure of the Hurley site in 1992, Jim transferred to North Wyke, Okehampton (UK), as part of the newly formed Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research, where he completed work on a dynamic simulation model of rumen function with colleagues from Wageningen University. During his time at Hurley and North Wyke, Jim served as Head of Biomathematics and Deputy Head of Animal and Microbial Sciences. Jim had a prolific and impactful academic career. In 1997, Jim was appointed Research Professor of Biomathematics at the University of Reading, where he established a biomathematics research group and developed compartmental models of protein turnover. In 2003, he received the Senior Canada Research Chair in Biomathematics in Animal Nutrition at the University of Guelph and moved with his family to Canada, where he founded and led the Centre for Nutrition Modelling. In 2011, Jim undertook a sabbatical in Spain to continue his long-standing collaboration on growth functions and feed evaluation systems with scientists at the University of Leon. Jim became Professor Emeritus at the Department of Animal Biosciences of the University of Guelph on his retirement in 2017 and continued to work as a scientist, ‘emptying the bottom desk drawer’ of in-progress work and contributing further articles to scientific journals up until the time of his death, with further articles to be published posthumously. From 1986 until his retirement, Jim was a visiting professor at the University of California – Davis, Wageningen University, University of León and Newcastle University. Throughout his career, Jim published 10 books and more than 865 journal articles. As of November 2024, his works have been cited more than 31,900 times.

Jim was one of the leading organisers of the workshops on modelling nutrient digestion and utilisation in farm animals (MODNUT). The international meeting is held every 3–5 years to discuss the application of modelling across multiple disciplines of animal nutrition and feeding of farm animals. He was also the coordinator for the Agricultural Research Modellers’ Group in the UK from the mid-1980s until 2003 and subsequently established an Animal Science Modellers’ Group following his move to Guelph. Jim’s ethos was that animal modelling should be based on scientific pluralism and data mining, with an emphasis on solving biological problems rather than applying mathematical techniques and collaborated with many scientists globally to progress this vision.

During the course of his career, he was known not only for his pioneering research in the mathematical modelling of animal nutrition but also for his unwavering commitment to mentoring students, globally, and fostering a passion for discovery in the next generation of scientists.

Jim was a very valuable member of the Editorial Board of The Journal of Agricultural Science, published by Cambridge University Press, and published several papers in the journal either as a senior or co-author.

Beyond academia, Jim was a devoted family member, a loyal friend and an active member of the scientific community. Jim met his wife, Judith, while they were studying at the University of Hull (UK), and they were married in 1976. He found joy in hiking, chatting over a coffee, travelling and reading books about history, philosophy and science. He was an avid football fan and enjoyed woodwork as well as gardening.

Jim left a mark that impacted the lives of many people. He is survived by Judith, their three sons and four grandchildren, as well as countless friends, former students and colleagues who will forever remember his warmth and brilliance. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered

Shared from - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-agricultural-science/article/obituary-james-france-phd-dsc-fima-cmath-csci/8915CFEFB46E6D263E3C8A92072322A7

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Sustainable Food Trust: Grazing Livestock Report 2025

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