Back to News Ruminant technical team re-structure as UFAC-UK welcomes a new face in the latest stage of development plans
The appointments of a new ruminant technical manager and regional business manager, form part of a new look team in the latest strategic restructuring for UFAC-UK, the nutritional supplement manufacturer and supplier to the UK and global livestock industry.
Steve Willats joins the team as business manager for South-West and Wales, as Mark Townsend steps up to the role of ruminant technical manager, recently vacated by the retirement of respected and long-serving nutritionist, Mike Chown.
The move, by the manufacturer of specialist energy, protein and omega 3 supplements, marks the latest stage of ongoing development plans, positioning the family-owned business as pioneers in the delivery of sustainable innovation in nutritional supplements, in turn helping to make a difference in the performance and profitability of livestock production.
Mark Townsend steps across from his previous position as regional business manager, to head up the technical ruminant section, with Devon-based Steve Willats, an experienced feed and nutrition specialist and former professional showjumper, taking over Mark’s previous role in the South-West and Wales region.
Mark’s role will see him working more closely with the innovation and development of new products, including research and development, trials, and the analysis of results
“I have always enjoyed the technical side of the work I have been involved in since joining UFAC-UK in 2009, and I am looking forward to it being a larger part of my responsibility.
“I am looking forward to the challenge and bringing my own expertise and spin to the role Mike has so successfully led on, over recent years,” he says.
Mr Chown, who has worked with UFAC-UK since 2011, alongside running his own independent consultancy business, officially retired in March 2024, but has not closed the book on his work entirely.
“I have been extremely proud of the work, and product development I have been involved in with UFAC-UK, with many products and new ideas trialed and developed,” he says.
“I am very happy to have been asked to continue working on one-off projects and product developments in the future, while still taking the time to wind down and enjoy a more relaxed schedule,” he adds.
Meanwhile, Steve’s career in the sector began some 40 years ago, working on farm straight from school, before progressing to equestrian work that led to a successful show-jumping career up until the mid-nineties.
As well as running his own 40-head suckler herd of Aberdeen Angus from his North Devon farm, Steve has worked as a specialist with both ruminant and monogastric animal feeds for some 13 years, most recently with ForFarmers.
Prior to that, he held similar roles with Countrywide Farmers and Cornwall Farmers, regularly selling UFAC-UK products during this period.
“I have worked closely with nutritionists to deliver technical advice to farmers, and look forward to continuing that role alongside Mark,” says Steve.
“I am also eager to maintain and develop the strong customer relationship dynamic he has built with clients within my region, while adding to that customer base.”
UFAC-UK managing director Robert Jones says, “Firstly, we would like to wish Mike well in his retirement, we are grateful to have worked with him so closely over the years.
“His knowledge and expertise has been hugely influential and beneficial to our work and product development, and we are delighted that he has agreed to assist on selected new projects into the future.
“We are also extremely pleased to see Mark step up to the technical role, with Steve also helping to further develop our operations across the South-West and Wales.
“We are confident these new developments will help strengthen our work in delivering new and sustainable approaches to feeding livestock, meeting the needs of an ever-evolving farming landscape,” he concludes.
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