A FARMER'S daughter from Wensleydale is the new chairman of the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) for 2015.

Catherine (Cat) Sayer was bought up on a hill farm in Wensleydale. After graduating from Durham University she started her career in animal health as a territory manager with Pfizer in the North East of England.

Subsequently working for Merial and then Schering-Plough she is now UK director for Forum Animal Health.

She has a broad experience gained from working across the main market sectors of companion animal, livestock, equine and swine; sales and marketing; as well as production, R&D, technical and regulatory.

A member of the NOAH board since 2011, and vice chairman for the past two years, she breeds pedigree Dalesbred sheep.

Addressing the NOAH annual dinner in London she outlined NOAH’s achievements over the past year, one of much change, with the publication of the proposed Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed Regulations by the European Commission and their progression through the European consultation process.

"The last time any changes were implemented to the Veterinary Medicines Regulations was nine years ago and as long as 25 years ago for the Medicated Feed Regulations," she said.

"With such duration of legislation when implemented, it’s important this legislation will continue to support the potential for new medicines, as it will shape our industry for years to come, once in place."

She told members and guests at the dinner: "It is clear from the achievements of the Association to date that industry would be the poorer without these benefits brought since its launch at the House of Commons in 1986 and next year we will be able to celebrate these more fully when NOAH reaches its milestone of 30 years."