A new presidential team has taken the lead at the Beef Shorthorn Society following last month’s AGM.

Stepping up from vice-president to president is Tim Riley of the Stoneyroyd herd.

A breeder with a 15-year association with the breed and the Society, Tim has run a beef and sheep hill farm in the Calder Valley, West Yorkshire for more than 30 years.

Tim also brings wider experience in agricultural, food and environmental policy and governance. He is on the board of the Food Standards Agency and of DEFRA’s Veterinary Medicines Directorate. A background in genetics has informed the Society’s breed development work and nationally, the UK’s Farm Animal Genetic Resources Advisory Committee.

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Tim said he was honoured to take on the role as Society president. “It is important that we, as breeders, continue to develop the Beef Shorthorn as the best and most adaptable choice for modern beef farming.

“I am excited to continue helping breeders capitalise on the huge potential offered by the breed as low input replacement cows and as quality beef for the consumer,” he said

Taking on the vice-president’s position is Ross-shire breeder John Scott of the Fearn herd.

Having bred Shorthorns for more than 25 years, alongside a commercial suckler herd and both pedigree and commercial sheep flocks and an arable enterprise, John brings a great deal of practical experience to the role, as well as a passion for breed promotion and development.

An early developer of on-farm sales for both sheep and cattle breeding stock, John uses all facets of modern technology and communications to promote his business.