JAMES Sage (pictured) has been appointed as the Hereford Cattle Society’s first chief executive.

He said: “This is an exciting era within UK and global agriculture and I believe there will be a prominent role for the Hereford to play in post-Brexit UK agriculture, capitalising on the breed’s many wonderful attributes to further develop sustainable profitable systems for farmers.”

Mr Sage has worked within the agricultural and horticultural industries for nearly 20 years, latterly as senior inspector manager for the Soil Association responsible for UK staff and overseas contractors, which saw him establish new partnerships with agri-food businesses and identify and market new areas of business.

Mr Sage was brought up on a mixed beef and sheep farm on the Mendip Hills. He also runs a small herd of pedigree pigs with which he has won a number of titles and the Pig of the Year title in 2016. He lives in Gloucestershire with his wife and family.