Thank you for Subscribing to Agri Business Review Weekly Brief
In an era where sustainability and animal welfare are critical pillars of responsible food production, Hilton Foods (HFG: LSE) has strategically positioned itself to lead the charge. Barry Larkham-Jones, the firm’s livestock sustainability and welfare senior manager, stands at the forefront of this transformation. With a distinguished career rooted in veterinary science and livestock health, Larkham-Jones brings a wealth of experience and a progressive vision to his role, shaping the future of ethical and sustainable food production.
Larkham-Jones’ career spans more than a decade in the UK livestock sector, where he has built a reputation for excellence in animal health, genetics, and sustainable farming practices. His journey began as a Veterinary Surgeon with Shropshire Farm Vets in 2010, where he honed his clinical skills and developed a deep understanding of UK farming systems. He then moved to Genus Breeding, a global leader in bovine genetics, where he spent nearly half a decade in various veterinary roles. During this time, Larkham-Jones managed health assurance programs, supervised EU-qualified bovine semen collection centres, and led disease surveillance and antimicrobial reduction initiatives. His work was instrumental in advancing biosecurity standards and developing new export markets. Larkham-Jones’ hands-on approach and focus on improving productivity through genetics made him a valuable asset to farmers and the wider livestock industry. His role at HIPRA as a technical services veterinarian further expanded his knowledge of ruminant health and veterinary pharmaceuticals, equipping him with the tools to influence livestock health strategies on a broader scale. In March 2024, Larkham-Jones joined Hilton Foods, stepping into a pivotal role that bridges animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and production efficiency. Hilton Foods, a leading international food processing and packing business, collaborates with experts like Larkham-Jones to ensure its supply chain aligns with global sustainability benchmarks while meeting consumer expectations for ethically sourced products. At Hilton Foods, Larkham-Jones enhances welfare standards and guides supplier compliance across the firm’s extensive network. Leveraging his background in disease control, fertility management, and genetics, he plays a key role in embedding best practices into every livestock procurement and management level. His strategic direction ensures that animal welfare is not just a regulatory checkbox but a core value ingrained in Hilton’s operational model. One of Larkham-Jones’ standout contributions has been his advocacy for reducing antimicrobial usage in livestock, a critical component of combating antimicrobial resistance. Drawing on his experience in clinical trials and cattle health monitoring, he assists Hilton Foods in implementing evidencebased interventions that promote animal health through prevention rather than treatment. However, Larkham-Jones’ leadership extends beyond the veterinary realm. His ability to manage people, train staff, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes has made him an effective change agent in a traditionally conservative industry. His work supports Hilton Foods’ broader ESG goals, reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable farming. As the livestock industry faces mounting pressures to evolve, professionals like Larkham-Jones are proving indispensable. His fusion of veterinary expertise, strategic thinking, and relentless dedication to animal welfare positions Hilton Foods as a forward-thinking leader in sustainable food production.