"I was brought up on a family farm in the Oswestry area, where I was educated prior to obtaining a degree in Microbiology at University in Aberystwyth. After completing my PhD at the University of Manchester jointly with the Grassland Research Institute I was appointed as a research scientist at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research in Aberystwyth.

Since joining IGER my career has focussed on ruminant nutrition in particular the role forages and particularly silages play in improving animal performance in an economically and environmentally sustainable way. During that time I have been involved in many research projects funded by industry, national government and the EU.

I have been instrumental in developing linkages with commercial partners and have been involved in the development of one of the UK 's silage inoculants. Furthermore, I have presented silage research at numerous events both at a farmer level but also as an invited speaker at international conferences.

I have recently been appointed Agriculture Outreach Manager for the Aberystwyth based Research Institute soon to merge with Aberystwyth University. My role is pivotal in projecting IGER's activities to the farming community, developing and co-ordinating further initiatives through direct interaction with farmers and via key partner organisations and stakeholders.

My new role offers a great opportunity at a time when the agricultural community is facing yet another challenging time. My roots are firmly within the agricultural community and maintain my interest as my wife and I run a 60 acre sheep holding. I believe passionately in fostering a strong linkage between research, farming practice and agricultural policy making at all levels.

Now is the time with increasing pressures on land for both food and fuel production, alongside the increased global demand for meat and milk products for, UK agriculture to reap the rewards from existing and new scientific developments. However the onus is on both parties to ensure research is put into practice and my new role as agricultural outreach manager is to help facilitate this process.

As Outreach manager I will be expected to forge strong links between IGER's research outputs and the farming industry in Wales and beyond Offa's Dyke.

I will be seeking partnerships with both government departments in Cardiff and Westminster but also with commercial partners to ensure that farmers have access to the latest research and upto date advice. I have a role in ensuring that those making the important decisions about the future of farming and food production also get access to the best advice IGER science can provide.

I am very well aware that as IGER merges with Aberyswyth University there are many opportunities to enhance the total output of relevant research from both organisations to the farming community and I will be working hard to ensure this happens.

I think my biggest challenge will be to ensure that the UK public have a greater understanding of what we do both as scienctists and farmers but it is very important we collectively rise to this challenge.

I will also be maintaining an active interest in silage research".

Article written by David Davies.