Jim studied genetics and poultry breeding at Edinburgh University in the mid-1970s and has been an instrumental part of Aviagen’s breeding programmes since 1978. Throughout his career he has travelled extensively and has been involved in the company’s breeding programmes across the world visiting India, South Africa and Brazil, amongst others, never straying from his mantra of natural selection and selecting traits for welfare as part of overall performance.

Commenting on his award, Jim said: “I was incredibly surprised to have been given this award but I am very honoured to have my work in the industry recognised in this way and to be presented with such a prestigious trophy.”

Graeme Dear, General Manager, Aviagen Limited, said: “It was an honour, not only for Jim, but for those of us who have seen him at work, to be present when he was awarded the prestigious Howie Surgenor Trophy. Outside of broiler breeding the other sectors of the poultry industry/value chain will be largely unaware of the benefit that Jim's enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment has brought to poultry meat producers, processors and consumers - today, certainly in Scotland, they are well aware now.

“A large part of the global success of the Ross 308 comes from Jim's steering and diligence to produce the world’s best broiler breeder through a balanced breeding programme. His efforts cannot be understated on a world scale in making a major contribution towards the universal availability of high quality chicken meat at an affordable price. Well done Jim - the award could not have gone to a more deserving recipient."

The presentation of the award took place in Dunblane on Friday 19th October, where guests included members of the Scottish poultry industry and their partners. The award was presented by poultry veterinarian Dr Eduardo Loedel-Soca, who commended Mr McAdam on his achievements and contribution to breeding work throughout his career.