QUALITY Meat Scotland (QMS) has recruited Dr Heather McCalman to join its industry development team.

Dr McCalman, who has taken up the position of QMS knowledge transfer specialist, has extensive experience of sheep and cattle production and putting research into practice. After studying for a degree in agriculture at the University of Wales, she completed her PhD at Wye College.

Dr McCalman then worked with ADAS as a sheep specialist and has since been employed in different roles in UK livestock sector, most recently as manager of the IBERS Grassland Development Centre at Aberystwyth University.

Dr McCalman’s role with QMS will involve the effective delivery of a range of activities aimed at assisting farmers to further improve the productivity and profitability of beef and lamb production.

“Heather has a wide knowledge of farming as well as a great enthusiasm for livestock production and I am delighted to welcome her to the team,” said Doug Bell, QMS head of industry development. “Heather will play a key role in supporting and encouraging farmers to take steps to share ideas and good practice to improve the management and technical performance of their businesses.”