David Black Award

The David Black Award has been honouring exceptional contributions to the pig industry for over 60 years. Inspired by the East Anglian pig farmer of the same name, this prestigious accolade is awarded to an individual or organisation that has made an outstanding impact on the British pig sector during the course of their work.

The award has previously celebrated those from across the industry, including producers, processors, academics and the allied industry.

Find out more about this award from Mike Sheldon, Pork Sector Council Chair

2022 award winner

In 2022, the award was won by Dr Zoe Davies, Former CEO of The Nation Pig Association. The award was presented by Mark Spencer, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, at the National Pig Awards held in London on 22 November.

Dr Zoe Davies has been involved in the pig sector for many years. Until July 2022, she was chief executive of the National Pig Association (NPA), a position she held for eight years. She was with the NPA for 14 years in total. During her time at the helm, she became a figurehead for the British pig industry, leading from the front on every major issue affecting the pig industry over the last decade.

2021 award winner

In 2021, the award was won by Professor Jim Scudamore, Former UK Chief Veterinary Officer. The award was presented by the Rt Hon Lord Benyon, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at Defra.

Jim has been actively involved in the pig sector for many years, experiencing some very challenging times for the industry as Defra’s CVO, where he handled the outbreak of swine fever in 2000.

Since his retirement in 2004, he has worked tirelessly for the pig industry in his roles as Chairman of both the Pig Health and Welfare Council (PHWC), and the Disease Surveillance subgroup, as well as being a member of the Welfare subgroup.

2020 award winner

In 2020, the award was won by the British Pig Association’s Chief Executive Marcus Bates and was presented by Mike Sheldon, AHDB pork sector board chairman.

Mike said; “Marcus has led the British Pig Association for over 20 years, and, in that time, has enabled pedigree pig breeders to thrive and to enhance their reputation for delivering quality and diversity, not just in the UK but overseas as well."

Submit your nomination

The closing date for nominations for the 2023 award is 31 August.

Mark Spencer, Minister of State at Defra presenting David Black Award to Zoe Davies

Dr Zoe Davies accepting the award from Mark Spencer

Pig Awards winner presentation by Lord Benyon and Jim Scudamore

Lord Benyon presenting Professor Jim Scudamore the award.

Mike Sheldon presenting Marcus Bates with the David Black Award

Mike Sheldon (AHDB) and Marcus Bates (BPA)