Tony Jackson has joined the Milk Development Council (MDC) as Extension Officer for Eastern England, responsible for ensuring dairy farmers are able to apply the latest research and development innovations on-farm.

Tony, who farmed a 180 strong Holstein Friesian pedigree herd in Alfreton, Derbyshire, for 22 years prior to joining the MDC, will be the Extension Officer serving dairy farmers from Yorkshire to Northamptonshire and Derbyshire to Leicestershire.

As an MDC Extension Officer, Tony will assist in identifying research and development priorities of producers in his area, as well as delivering a programme of regional activities and Farm Improvement Programmes including those focusing on grass and forage, breeding and cow fertility.

"I'm particularly pleased to be working with dairy farmers in the East Midlands and surrounding areas," says Tony. "This area has a diverse and evolving dairy industry, with a real mix of farming systems and ideas. One of my primary roles is to make sure all producers in the area are able to pull on the many resources the MDC has to offer.

"As an ex-dairy farmer myself I'm in the ideal position of knowing what producers need," says Tony. "I understand the challenges faced by today's dairy farmers and what tools they need to move their businesses forwards."

Tony will be working with local MDC Regional Committee members to ensure that the thoughts and ideas of local producers on how MDC resources should be targeted are given a clear pathway to the Council.

If you want to talk about the work of the MDC or see what the MDC can do for you in Eastern England please contact Tony on 07814 669255 or by email at tony.jackson@mdc.org.uk.