Victor Chestnutt OBE – Chairman
Victor Chestnutt OBE is Chairman of Sustainable Ruminant Genetics Ltd and a livestock farmer from County Antrim, operating beef, dairy and sheep enterprises. His approach to farming is grounded in practical experience of breeding, animal performance and sustainable production systems. Victor was awarded an OBE for services to agriculture, an honour he has described as recognition for farmers across Northern Ireland. Prior to leading SRG, he held senior leadership roles within the Ulster Farmers’ Union, serving as Deputy President and completing two terms as President, during which he represented farmers’ interests on agricultural policy, climate matters and food production sustainability.
As Chairman, Victor provides strategic leadership to SRG, helping ensure its work remains closely aligned with farmer priorities, industry needs and long-term sustainability goals.
Wesley Aston – Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU)
Wesley Aston is Chief Executive of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, a role he has held since 2015. Raised on a family farm in County Armagh, he has first-hand experience of beef, cereals and lamb production. Since joining the UFU in 1991, Wesley has progressed through a range of senior roles, including 20 years as Policy Director. He has represented the farming sector extensively at Northern Ireland, UK and EU levels and brings significant leadership, policy and governance expertise.
Daryl McLaughlin – Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association (NIMEA)
Daryl McLaughlin is Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association, a role he assumed in May 2023. He previously worked with the Ulster Farmers’ Union as Policy Officer for Beef, Lamb and Hill Farming, and prior to that he worked with the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland as Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Manager. Daryl comes from a small family beef and sheep farm and continues to farm part-time. He holds a BSc in Agriculture Technology with Professional Studies and brings strong technical, policy and supply chain insight to his work.
Nigel Gibson – WD Meats
Nigel Gibson comes from a family farming background, where his family managed a suckler herd, grew cereals, and occasionally reared pigs. He is currently the Technical Manager at WD Meats and brings over 35 years of extensive experience within the meat industry, with expertise encompassing all stages of the supply chain, from primal processing through to retail product development.
Sarah Haire- Dunbia
Sarah Haire is Head of Agriculture for the Dawn Meats Group and has over 20 years’ experience working within the agri-food industry. Her role spans Dawn Meats and Dunbia, with a particular focus on agriculture and sustainability. Sarah is a past Chair of the UK Cattle Sustainability Platform and the European Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and sits on the Red Tractor Beef and Lamb Sector Board Committee. She was awarded a Nuffield Farming Trust Scholarship in 2007. Alongside her professional role, Sarah is actively involved in beef and sheep farming.
Joe Stewart OBE – Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC)
Joe Stewart OBE, LLB, JP, joined the Livestock and Meat Commission Board in 2021 and brings significant governance, finance and public service experience. His family has farmed in Comber, County Down since the 1890s, and he currently runs Suffolk and Texel breeding flocks, alongside breeding Irish Draft horses. Joe is a Trustee of the Suffolk Sheep Society and has served as Chair of the LMC Audit and Risk Assurance Committee.
Ian Stevenson – Dairy Council for Northern Ireland (DCNI)
Ian Stevenson was appointed Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland in October 2023. He has over 30 years’ experience across the agri-food sector, having held senior technical, policy and leadership roles with Moy Park, the Ulster Farmers’ Union and the Livestock and Meat Commission, where he served as Chief Executive for 12 years. Ian also serves as a Director of the European Milk Forum and the charity Rural Support.
Gary Watson – Dale Farm
Gary Watson is Head of Producer Services at Dale Farm and has over 25 years’ experience working within the agriculture industry. Raised on a dairy farm on the North Coast, he holds a degree in Agriculture from Queen’s University Belfast. His role includes responsibility for dairy herd management, tankcare and the field liaison team. Gary has a strong interest in genetics, having represented Northern Ireland on the AHDB Genetic Advisory Forum, and he also manages a flock of pedigree Blackface sheep.
Pat Shiels – Lakeland Dairies
Pat Shiels is a Senior Executive at Lakeland Dairies with extensive experience across the co-operative’s agribusiness and food ingredients devision. He currently serves as General Manager of the Food Ingredients division, overseeing the delivery of dairy ingredients to domestic and international markets. Pat has previously held senior leadership roles within the co-operative, including responsibility for the agribusiness division, and has contributed to the wider industry through his involvement with the Bord Bia Dairy Board.
Thoburn McCaughey – Farmer
Thoburn McCaughey is a dairy, beef, and sheep farmer based in Broughshane. He began his agricultural career studying at Greenmount College, where he developed the practical and technical foundations that have shaped his farming enterprise. Thoburn has also played an active role in agricultural leadership, serving as President of the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster from 2009 to 2011. He continues to contribute to the farming community through his long-standing commitment to progressive and sustainable livestock production.
Cyril Millar – Farmer
Cyril Millar has extensive experience working across the agriculture industry, with a background in pig, beef, dairy and sheep production. He is a Director of Elite Sires Limited and has held a range of senior leadership roles within the livestock and genetics sectors. Cyril has served as Chair and President of the British Charolais Cattle Society, Chair of the NI Charolais Club, and President of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society. He has also contributed to industry development through involvement with Ulster Farmers’ Union committees, the DAERA Pig Core Group, and as a Director of Pig Regen, and remains actively involved in livestock exhibiting and judging. In recognition of his contribution to agriculture, he was awarded the BT Cup at the UFU Annual Dinner in 2025.