NSA honours Peter Morris

17 | Feb | 2012

Please see the NSA's media release below in relation to VION UK Red Meat Livestock Development Manager, Peter Morris, being awarded the 2011 George Hedley Memorial award.

 

NSA Honours past CEO

Peter Morris, Livestock Development Manager at VION Food, and immediate past CEO of NSA was presented with the 2011 George Hedley Memorial award by the National Sheep Association at an industry dinner in London this week. 

The annual award is given to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the UK sheep sector. It is an extremely prestigious award within the sheep sector and is made following a lengthy proposal and voting process involving organisations from across the entire sector. 

National Chairman John Geldard, commented "during Peter's term in office he had to deal with many contentious issues and serious disruptions to the functioning of the industry such as EID, the 2007 FMD restrictions and then the Blue Tongue threat. As well as demonstrating his great capacity to master the detail of issues, he consistently showed a determination to find the very best possible way forward for the sheep sector. His work ethic and his communication skills earned him the respect of those who worked with him, whether in Government, industry organisations or practical farmers. We are absolutely delighted that the industry has chosen to recognise all of Peter's efforts by bestowing this honour upon him".

Past Chairman of Council Jonathan Barber, who was Chairman during some of Mr Morris's tenure as CEO said 'It is wonderful that NSA and the industry has bestowed this honour upon Peter. He worked tirelessly during his time as CEO, always with the very best interest of the sector at heart. Peter steered both the Association and the sector through some particularly challenging times and he never shied away from the often difficult  job in hand. His ability to negotiate at the very highest levels, along with his outstanding knowledge of grass roots, was of enormous benefit to the sector."

NSA CEO Phil Stocker, added "the George Hedley dinner has pulled together many of the leading figures in the sheep sector. Evenings and events like this are so important for the sheep industry as the success of sheep farming is all about people, and any opportunity to put the right people together in the right place at the right time as the George Hedley does can only do good."

NSA President, His Grace The Duke of Montrose presided over the evening, and made the award to Mr Morris.

On receipt of the award Mr Morris commented "I'm honoured to receive this award from an organisation which continues to do a huge amount of good work for sheep farming and the sheep industry as a whole. It is vital that all links of the lamb supply chain work together to ensure we produce high-quality products for the consumer, and the NSA plays a valuable role in promoting best practice and closer cooperation throughout the chain." 

 

Notes to Editors 

Nominating Bodies - The group of bodies invited to submit nominees include major agricultural organisations, the farming unions, all sheep breed societies and all NSA Regional Committees. Each nominating body is invited to nominate a person who has made an outstanding contribution to the sheep industry.

The Award was created in 1960 by NSA to honour the memory of George Hedley who farmed in the Scottish borders.  He was a highly respected farmer and had been involved with NSA for many years.  It was while he was Chairman  of the Association, travelling to a Council meeting in London in January 1960 that he was tragically killed in a car accident. The award is a specially sculptured statuette of a South Country Cheviot sheep mounted on a plinth which carries the name of the recipient and the words "for outstanding service to the sheep industry".

 

National Sheep Association

The Sheep Centre, Malvern, Wares. WR13 6PH Tel: 01684892661 Fax: 01684892663 www.nationalsheep.org.uk

National Sheep Association is an organisation which represents the views and interests of sheep producers throughout the UK NSA is funded by its membership of sheep farmers and its activtties involve tt in every aspect of the sheep industry.  

A Company Limited  by Guarantee.  Registered in England. Registration  No. 37818. Registered Charity No. 249255

 

VION Food Group Ltd 

VION Food Group Ltd, the UK arm of VION N.V., produces and processes high quality beef, lamb, pork, bacon and chicken as well as a wide range of convenience products such as sausages, cooked meats and added value cooked chicken. The UK operation has extensive facilities across the UK from farms and hatcheries to primary production, processing and packing, and supplies products according to customer and market demands. The business offers integrated supply chains, market-leading welfare programmes, and the ability to satisfy a growing demand for provenance. The business is primarily focused on the UK retail market but also includes important foodservice and wholesale clients within its portfolio.

 
For further information please contact:
Robert Smith, Group Communications Controller, VION Food Group Ltd

+44 (0)1506 400400

+44 (0)7785 502976

rob.smith@vionfood.com