In August 2025, Roger Baird concluded his three-year tenure as SOPA Chairman Roger has had a significant influence on the organisation, bringing about financial stability, enhanced membership services, and a strategic plan that provides clear direction for the next five years.
Following five years as a board director, Jean McLean has recently been appointed as the new Chairperson and has already hit the ground running, supporting the team and the board.
Jean farms in partnership with her husband Robert, son John and brother-in-law Michael at New Deer and Turriff, Aberdeenshire. A total of 740 acres is farmed between the two units with organic conversion commencing in May 2020. A herd of 180 Holstein cows is the primary enterprise with all youngstock reared on farm for either replacement dairy heifers or through to finished beef cattle. Spring barley and grass are also grown with both crops used totally on farm. Jean and family also keep a flock of Beltex ewes for producing breeding stock, while purchasing organic store lambs in the autumn to be sold as prime lambs.
Jean has previously served as a member of the local Holstein Club, the NFU Milk Committee, the Red Tractor Dairy Board, and the North East Milk Producers Association. Jean became a director of SOPA in October 2020 and has since played an active role in supporting the co-operative’s membership and growth.
Jean is delighted to take on the role and said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chairman of SOPA. Since converting our own farms to organic production in 2020, I have seen first-hand the benefits it brings for our land, livestock and customers. Roger Baird has put SOPA in a strong position with a clear strategic plan and a dedicated staff team, and I thank him for his significant contribution."
"I look forward to building on that progress and ensuring SOPA continues to support its members, champion the value of organic food production, and strengthen the role our sector plays in a sustainable future for Scottish farming.”
