The 2017 conference marked the occasion of the BCBC presidential handover, with Dr Maurice Bichard completing his six-year term and handing over to Professor Mike Coffey, of the SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College).

Dr Bichard an industry stalwart and former director of the Pig Improvement Company, said:

“Professor Coffey is driven and passionate about all aspects of livestock breeding, while retaining a strong commercial focus. Despite stepping down as president, I am keen to maintain connections within the industry and with the BCBC. The year 2018 will be the BCBC’s 70th anniversary and Professor Coffey is a highly appropriate choice for the new Club president.”

Professor Coffey responded:

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Dr Bichard for his wise counsel, good humour and commitment to helping the Club to maintain a forward direction. He has always been technically-minded and kept our focus on science. I was honoured to be asked to become president of the BCBC and I am very much looking forward to taking on the role.”

Professor Mike Coffey is a Professor in livestock informatics at the SRUC, based in Edinburgh. He is one of the world’s leading breeding specialists and geneticists, with a particular interest in genomics.  As well as lecturing at the College, Professor Coffey is involved in the development of new breeding tools and innovations for the management of farmed livestock and participates in a number of related research projects. He enjoys the challenge of ensuring that scientific research delivers immediate benefits for livestock farmers.

Outgoing BCBC chairman, Iain Kerr, who is the chief executive of the British Limousin Cattle Society, was succeeded by the new BCBC chairman, Andy Dodd, a former dairy farm manager who is currently the technical manager of breeding and fertility at AHDB Dairy.