Pig unit managers and owners from Suffolk and Essex are among 10 chosen to take part in BPEX Professional Manager Development Scheme (PMDS) in 2012.

Sophie Howe of Writtle College and Kathryn Mutimer of BQP in Suffolk will be among those taking part in the course, which leads to a qualificaiton from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

AgriSkills Forum chairman Richard Longthorp said: “The standard of applicants is a credit to both the industry and the business in which they work. We have some fantastic talent and I have no doubt the 2012 PMDS group will carry the banner of professionalism in the pig industry.”