Addition of Chair Elect to give greater voice for sheep farmers within SCOPS

29th April 2019

The Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group is pleased to announce the appointment of South Gloucestershire sheep farmer Kevin Harrison as its new Chair Elect.  

Mr Harrison takes on the new position alongside SCOPS Chairman, Devon sheep farmer Peter Baber, who has led the group since its inception. Both Chair and Chair Elect will work together to help drive activities of SCOPS, supporting responsible parasite control management choices on farms throughout the UK and helping ensure messages are consistent and practical for sheep farmers.

Speaking on behalf of SCOPS, Lesley Stubbings says: “SCOPS is fortunate to have a very able Chairman in Peter Baber who has given much time and effort over the past 15 years. We sincerely thank Peter for this but now it is important we look to the future, hence the appointment of a Chair Elect to ensure consistency when Peter comes to the end of his term. Kevin will be familiarising himself with the workings of SCOPS and the people and organisations involved, supporting Peter initially and then taking the driving seat when the time comes.

Mr Harrison comments: “I am very pleased and honoured to be chosen as the new SCOPS Chair Elect. For some time I have been interested in the work of the group and vocal in the importance of a carefully considered approach to parasite control. I am now looking forward to representing the group, helping to further its positive impact on farms in the UK.”

SCOPS develops sustainable strategies for parasite control in sheep, and prides itself on ensuring the facilitation and delivery of this is applicable to grassroots farmers as well as vets, SQPs and all others involved in parasite control. It strives to ensure advice and information is relevant and accessible, hence the importance of a cross-range of organisations and individuals forming its pan-industry Steering Group, with active sheep farmers elected to help lead it.

Welcoming Mr Harrison into his new position, SCOPS Chairman Peter Baber says: “The SCOPS group is very fortunate to have had a number of high quality applications for the role and we are delighted Kevin has accepted the position of Chair Elect. His experience as a hands-on sheep farmer, coupled with involvement in industry organistations including the National Sheep Assocaition, will be invaluable to the work of SCOPS. I look forward to working with Kevin and am confident of his commitment and ability to lead the group in the future.”

Notes to editors: -

  • This press release is issued by National Sheep Association (NSA) on behalf of SCOPS. For more information contact Joanne Briggs at NSA on 07973 726048 or [email protected].
  • SCOPS is an industry led group that works in the interest of the UK sheep industry. It recognises that, left unchecked, anthelmintic resistance is one of the biggest challenges to the future health and profitability of the sector. Find out more at www.scops.org.uk.
Kevin Harrison, Chair Elect
Kevin Harrison, Chair Elect