Who We Are
Anthony – Lead Advisor
I was born in Kenya where my father farmed. I completed an honours degree in Agriculture from Reading University in the early 1970s. I worked for Tate & Lyle for five years, mainly in Zambia; where I returned to manage a big private dairy and mixed enterprise farm in 1982. We moved to Zimbabwe in 1985 and I initiated and developed a 3000 hectare estate (timber, seed potatoes, wheat, beans and other crops) from scratch. We came to England and I went into partnership with my father (100 South Devon suckler cows and sheep) for five years, before starting a career in independent overseas agricultural consultancy. I have worked in livestock, agronomy and project management in many countries with UN agencies such as FAO and IFAD over the past 15 years. My interests include fishing, walking, shooting, tennis and travel.
Adrian - Farm Advisor
I am from a farming background and my parents run a dairy and sheep farm. I studied for a diploma in Agriculture for three years and for the past 10 or so years I have worked for Animal Health (previously the state veterinary service) in and around TB areas of work. With my TB knowledge and farming experience, I hope to be able to provide help and advice on a practical level to your businesses.
Sophie - Farm Advisor
I was born and grew up on a small grass farm in North Devon. My mother was born and raised on a dairy farm in East Devon which is still in the family. My father gave up actively farming in 1960 to found a farmers’ co-operative. Personally I have spent a number of years gaining practical experience both working full time on a 400 cow dairy unit and also relief milking where I became aware of the devastating effects that TB could have. I completed an Honours Degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management at Harper Adams University in Shropshire and after two years working for a firm of Land Agents in Exeter qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. In my spare time my interests include horse riding, country sports, National Hunt racing, rugby, my dogs and virtually all active outdoors pursuits.
Nydia – Farm Advisor
I was born in Shropshire where my father worked as a farm manager and my grandfather farmed. In 1989 my parents moved to East Lothian in Scotland for my father to take up a post in Farm Business Consultancy. I studied for and attained a Honours Degree in International Agricultural and Equine Business Management from the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester. Since leaving in 2006 I have enjoyed 4 years working in agricultural on farm sales where I have gained extensive first-hand experience of dealing with farmers, not always in easy situations. I have listened to and seen the stress, turmoil, additional work and cost that bTB can have on individual farmers and the wider agricultural community. My passion for the countryside and a wish to assist within the rural environment, by working with and in rural businesses was a driving factor behind my desire to work for the South West TB Advisory Service. In my spare time I am a keen horse woman who competes regularly in British Eventing with my ex racehorse.
Teresa – Administrator
I am the administrator for south West TB Farm Advisory Service. I was born in Devon and my parents both grew up on Devon farms which I also spent all my spare time on as a child. I married and moved to Berkshire when I was 19, raised a family and returned with my family 22 year later. I have many years experience in office procedures including management. My daughter and I took up horse riding 2.5 years ago and now own our own horse which takes up most of my spare time but I also like gardening including vegetables, caravanning, cycling, walking, listening to music and making collector’s teddy bears.