Both John Rowbottom and Meryl Ward have made an outstanding contribution to the work of BPEX.

Mr Rowbottom has a long association with the pig industry through the family's 750 sow farrow to finish pig enterprise based in Yorkshire. He is a member of the National Pig Association Board and the NPA Producer Group.

In addition to the pig enterprise the family farming business also includes arable and a grass drying enterprise.

Ms Ward runs a family farming enterprise comprising 2,000 sows, finished pigs, a mixed arable enterprise and a farm shop.

Her current roles include being a member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council and a governor of Harper Adams University College.

She won the David Black Award in 2010. After stepping down from the board she will not be severing all ties as she remains a member of the Pig Technical Committee.

BPEX Chairman Stewart Houston said: “John and Meryl have been involved since the inception of BPEX in 2000. Indeed they were part of the catalyst for change which gave the industry levy payers full say in how their levies should be spent for the greater good of the industry.

“Their input to defining the role of BPEX and ensuring its success, managing the change as we became part of a bigger organisation, AHDB, whilst at the same time coping with a series of crises has been immense.

“They have been supportive and challenging in equal measure and I personally would have struggled without them.

“Of course their support for the industry did not stop at BPEX. John has been a stalwart of the NPA since its inception and is renowned for a robust stance in discussions with our retail customers.

“Meryl’s input has ranged from renting a whole train - remember the march in 1999? - to bringing a practical approach to the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC).

“I know producers will join me in thanking them for the time and energy they’ve given to the industry for more than a decade, although both of them will continue to do their bit outside BPEX.“

Interviews have taken place for their replacements and the new board members will be announced soon.