Former chairman of AHDB Beef and Lamb, John Cross, has been honoured by the Royal Smithfield Club for his services to the livestock industry over the last 25 years.
Sheep farmer John, who farms in Norfolk, was presented with the Bicentenary Trophy by the Royal Smithfield Club for outstanding contributions to the livestock sector. He received the trophy from former Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) chairman, Donald Biggar, at the annual Smithfield Club Dinner.
The award recognised his various achievements in the industry, which included being appointed chairman of the newly-formed English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) in 2002, leading EBLEX (now AHDB Beef and Lamb) until March 2015, helping to establish it as an internationally recognised levy body. John also played a considerable role in helping to grow export markets for beef and lamb.
Reflecting on his achievement, John said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded the Bicentenary Trophy by the Royal Smithfield Club. This is a highly sought after and respected achievement within the agriculture industry and I am humbled to, not only have been nominated, but also awarded the title.
“As both a farmer and former chairman of AHDB Beef and Lamb, the development and success of the meat industry remains one of my top priorities and I will continue to support and champion it wherever possible.”
Secretary of the Royal Smithfield Club, Geoff Burgess, commented: “John stands out as someone who has tirelessly worked for the industry to which he is totally committed.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
