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Top SAC Sheep Specialist Recognised For Delivering Research Direct To Farmers

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N51
Published: 08 Jul 2010

Well known SAC Sheep Consultant John Vipond is this year’s winner of the Sir Richard C Stewart Prize for effort and excellence in outreach activities.

The award recognises those who have contributed to the advancement of farming through the exchange of knowledge gained through research.  Dr Vipond received his award at the SAC graduation ceremony in Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow. The award is named after a former President of SAC Governors.

According to the award citation, John demonstrates the highest standards in all that he does, but that his proven ability to secure the adoption of valuable new approaches to livestock production systems through collaboration, make him a worthy recipient of the RC Stewart Prize.

In over 40 years with SAC, John Vipond has urged the adoption of research developments he believed offered practical benefits to livestock farmers and their animals.  Since his PhD training on nutrition, John has led improvements in the synchronisation of breeding in sheep, feeding systems for new-born lambs and diets for overfat lambs.  He has promoted grass-clover based sheep production systems and the utility of forage brassica-based wintering systems for cattle and sheep that include parasite control.  More recently, his championing of contemporary ‘easy care’ sheep breeding systems has been rolled out across the UK industry.

The award citation states,

“While the number of new developments in the industry is notable, it is the way that John has worked with the industry that has been truly impressive.  He has fully embraced extension and outreach activities involved in taking the messages to farmers. He has developed research ideas with specialists, commercial companies, professional associations and farmers. All of this has ensured the fullest possible involvement by the industry.”

John Vipond’s prolific publication record was also noted, especially the hundreds of press and professional articles. Most recently he led a team which published the definitive farmers' guide to the science and practice of sheep nutrition. The same group are busy preparing a similar workshop and guide focussing on the ram.

Beyond his role in SAC, John has contributed to various organisations. Together with VIO Harry Ross and Alasdair Alexander of the HIDB he was instrumental in founding the Highland Mule Breeders Association and Highlands and Islands Sheep Health Association. He is a past President of the British Grassland Society. His collaboration, initially with the Scotch Quality Beef and Lamb Association, which then became Quality Meat Scotland, has helped the development and adoption of farm assurance schemes for the industry.

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