Brian McAuley MRCVS

Brian is a veterinary surgeon in mixed practice at Firmount Veterinary Clinic in Antrim where he has 

worked since graduating in 1980 from University of 

Liverpool.

His main interests are in cattle herd fertility and disease control programmes as well as large animal surgery. During his time in practice Brian has extensive experience in control and monitoring of infectious diseases in dairy and beef cattle.

He is a past president of the Northern Ireland Veterinary Association and the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in Northern Ireland and past chairman of the Veterinary Surgeons Supply Company. Brian is also a part time farmer and along with his family runs the Larkhill Limousin herd.

   Sam Chesney

Sam is a suckler beef producer from Co. Down. He has recently been both UK Beef Farmer of the Year (2011) and Grassland Farmer of the Year (2012).

In addition to involvement with AHWNI, Sam also serves on the board of Strangford Down (a livestock marketing group) ,the National Beef Association, the Ulster Grassland Association and is vice chairman of Agrisearch Beef Advisory Committee. Sam considers the formation of AHWNI to be a fantastic opportunity to control a number of production disease on the island of Ireland.

   Gary Watson

Gary is Producer Services Manager for United Dairy Farmers, with primary responsibility for the UDF milk recording service (Dairy Herd Management). As part of his role he has overseen the introduction of health testing packages for BVD, IBR, Johne’s disease and leptospirosis.

   John Thompson (Chairman)

John from North Antrim runs a dairy farm in partnership with his son. He is a member of the Northern Ireland Agri Food Strategy Board and a board member of Rural Support. He has always had a great interest in the cause, prevention and eradication of animal diseases, for which he was recognised by the North of Ireland Veterinary Association of which he has been elected an honorary member. He is a both a former President of the Ulster Farmers Union and a former member of the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust and was previously chair of the Agrisearch Dairy Committee.

   Sean Fitzpatrick

Sean is a beef and sheep farmer from Co. Down. He is a past President of NIAPA and is currently their Co. Down chairman.

   Alan Cleland

 Alan is a dairy and beef farmer from Co. Down. He is past Chairman of Holstein NI and has been both Chairman and President of the UK British Blue Cattle Society. Alan takes a keen interest in animal health.  

                                  John Henning

John is currently a representative on Agrisearch's Board.   He also is a part time farmer with a herd of pedigree   Aberdeen Angus cattle which have been frequent winners   in the Northern Ireland Herd Competitions. John also   gained valuable banking experience in both urban and rural   branches before specializing in agricultural finance with nearly 30 years experience in the agricultural sector.

Geoff Thompson    Geoff currently works at Ulster Farmers’    Union as a Policy Officer for animal health and welfare, pigs and poultry.