Professor David E Beever 31st March 1944 – 16th June 2014

Professor David E Beever
31st March 1944 – 16th June 2014

David Beever was a courageous scientist of unique abilities, who made a huge contribution to the world of agriculture. 
David was born on a small South Yorkshire farm and went on to gain a primary degree and PhD at Newcastle University. 
In 1969 his long and successful career in ruminant nutrition began at the Grassland Research Institute in Hurley, becoming head of ruminant nutrition. 

In 1992 he became Professor of Animal Science and Head of CEDAR at the University of Reading. 

In 2007 he was recognised by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for contributing to the awarding of the Nobel Prize for 2007 to the IPCC. 

In 2009, David was very proud to be awarded the RABDF Princess Royal Award for his outstanding services to the dairy industry.
In 2004 after leaving Reading, he joined Keenan as Chief Scientific Advisor.  Gerard Keenan says “David first challenged and argued. Later, supported by other leading scientists, David was to develop the connection between rumen function, better feed conversion efficiency, improved farm margins, and reduced environmental impact.”

David worked worldwide for Keenan including China, India and the USA. His huge personality and passion for the dairy industry made him unforgettable, and he commanded great respect and admiration wherever he travelled, as he spoke the unvarnished truth. He really loved the underdog, and his interests were in the farmers that would listen and respond, who would appreciate what he could do for them. Often these farms were small or medium, but he just wanted to help.

At David’s funeral personal tributes were paid from colleagues in research from the USA, the UK and Ireland.  Jim Drackley, Professor of Animal Science at Illinois said “I first became familiar with his name and research in the 1980’s. He was one of those names I looked at in awe as a young aspiring scientist. His research was classic and has assumed renewed relevance today in light of issues of climate change and sustainable agriculture.”

RABDF Prince Philip Award goes to Genus

The RABDF Prince Philip Award was presented to Genus ABS for research and development in the field of dairy farming and the most practical, relevant and best technical exhibit at the Livestock Event 2014.

The company was awarded for its Valiant Foam-Active wipes, a unique foaming pre-wipe, designed to provide a convenient one-step preparation routine, delivering a superior standard of cleaning.  The product contains a specially formulated blend of active ingredients resulting in a highly effective foaming anti-bacterial disinfectant. The broad spectrum anti-bacterial action is claimed to remain intact even when contaminated with 10% organic matter.

A Certificate of Merit was awarded to XL Vets and its exhibit featuring ‘make your farm your fortress’, a campaign designed to put biosecurity at the top of farmers to do lists.  

Genus ABS’s Paul Nunn, Andy King and Dave Hodgson receive the award from RABDF president, Prof David Leaver

RABDF president, Prof David Leaver presents the award to XL Vet’s Joanne Sharp and Stuart Gough, Calweton Veterinary Group