Latest News

Winners Announced for 2022 Master Breeder Awards

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 08:30:03 GMT

Holstein UK is delighted to announce the winners of the 2022 Master Breeder Awards. This prestigious award recognises herds that have excelled in classification, production and longevity. Points are awarded to each female bred by the herd, which was recorded as having produced a lactation within the last two years. The top ten herds, based on highest average points scored per animal, are then selected as winners.

The Master Breeder Winners 2022:

Bannwater – A J Magowan & Son, County Down

Berryholme – H Wright & Son, Cumbria

Castellhyfryd – S P & S R Davies, Carmarthenshire

Gwili – M A & M R Williams, Dyfed

Lisnacloon – William S Hunter, County Tyrone

Matfield – Lewis McMurray & Sons, County Down

Mythebridge – F K Robinson & Son, Gloucestershire

Newry – S J, J R & C Stevenson, County Down

Sanbay – D F Bailey, Devon

Trasnafarm – H & A Maguire, County Fermanagh

Meurig James, Head of Breed Development for Holstein UK, commented “The Master Breeder Award is the pinnacle of success for all of the Holstein UK members who achieve this fantastic accolade. The award recognises herds that breed and develop outstanding cattle with renowned production, conformation, health and longevity. I would like to congratulate the 2022 Master Breeders and make a special mention to the Newry herd which is the first UK herd to win the award three times. I look forward to seeing the winners receive their awards at events around the UK later this year. Balmoral Show will be a particular highlight with five out of the ten award winners residing in Northern Ireland.”

Winners Announced for 2021 All Britain Awards

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 15:21:38 GMT

After a two year hiatus, Holstein UK was delighted to announce the winners of the 2021 All Britain Awards at the All Britain Presentation Evening.

Following the UK Dairy Expo in Carlisle on Saturday 12th March, the annual dinner was once again held to celebrate the awards and announce the highly anticipated finalists. The Awards consists of fourteen classes which are judged on the quality of an animal that has been exhibited within the show ring at recognised shows during 2021.

Prior to being put forward to the National Judging Panel, entries are shortlisted to the top six animals in each class. This year’s preliminary judges were David Booth (Feizor), Edward Griffiths (Coachgate) and Richard Thomas (Churchvale).

Commenting on the first round of judging, David Booth said, “Considering the number of shows cancelled due to Covid-19 last year, the nominations for the All Britain awards were still of high quality. All of the shows that participated in qualifying for the All Britain’s had some great individuals in the centre of the ring and the ABAB Calf Show, once again, was top quality. Congratulations to all of the breeders and exhibitors who have put forward animals for this year’s awards.”

Edward Griffiths added “It’s good to see the All Britain Awards back this year after a difficult show season. As usual, there are some great classes and fantastic individuals. It was good to see so many entries this year from Northern Ireland.” Richard Thomas concluded with “It was an honour and privilege to be asked to shortlist the All Britain nominations. Even though the quantity in some classes was low, the quality and standard remained high considering the covid circumstances.”

The final decision for the placings is made by the Holstein UK National Judging Panel who individually allocate their placings, with the Champion title going to the animal with the most overall votes.

Michael Smale, Holstein UK Chairman, commented; “I would like to congratulate all of the winners of the 2021 All Britain Awards. As per previous years, the standard of cattle put forward has been exceptional and I am delighted to see such passion and commitment from our breeders for rearing and turning out such a great display of cattle. It makes me very proud to see animals excelling in both productivity and performance which continues to assist in the strengthening of our breed.”

View the results →

HUK Lifetime Achievement Award Announced

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 10:14:23 GMT

The Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by the Holstein UK Board of Trustees to recognise at least twenty years of dedication and service to the Holstein and/or British Friesian breeds. Awarded annually, the award is the ultimate accolade for an individual who has unassumingly provided outstanding service to the breed and made a remarkable contribution to the Society.

The Trustees are delighted to present the 2021 Lifetime Achievement to Bill Nadin of Sterndale Holsteins, based in Derbyshire. Having left school at 15 to work on his uncle’s dairy farm at Earlsterndale, Bill quickly acquired a passion for dairy cows and after a short period, he took on the farm tenancy. In 1969, Bill purchased his first pedigree cow for 39gns before grading his herd up to pedigree.

Bill has always been rewarded and respected for his attention to detail in animal husbandry, grassland management and the breeding of Holstein cows. In 1985, Bill was awarded the prestigious Dairy Farmer of the Year Award, coming out on top from over 100 entrants from across the UK and Ireland. Having won the regional round of the Premier Herd Competition in 2013, Bill went on to take the title of National Premier Herd Champion, recognising his herd for achieving the very best breeding status.

Bill has spent many years developing the Sterndale herd and made frequent trips to Canada and the United States to source new cow families, along with investing heavily in UK genetics. Over the years, Bill has had a number of reduction sales and in 2003, he achieved the highest price ever paid at auction for a cow in milk with Field of Dreams Formation Erle selling for 76,000gns. Bill always takes great satisfaction in seeing and hearing how these animals have developed in their new homes and he takes great delight at seeing animals that he’s bred doing well in the showring. One of the most notable animals owned by his partner Yasmin Bradbury was Peak Goldwyn Rhapsody EX97. Over her lifetime, the Goldwyn daughter produced 133,000kg milk and won eight national titles.

Having been an active member of Derbyshire Holstein Club for many years, Bill and Yasmin have always been willing to assist the Club with stock judging and herd visits, as well as encouraging and supporting the Club’s young breeders over the years. Through the triumph of the Sterndale calves, the Club have received great success at both local and national events, along with numerous All Britain nominations.

Despite a decline in health in recent years, Bill’s passion for the Holstein breed has never faded and at the National Holstein Show in 2018, Bill was recognised, along with Yasmin, by the Holstein UK Show & Sale Committee for making a significant difference to others through constant support and encouragement, resulting in him being presented with the highly acclaimed Howard Sneesby Award. In the same year, Bill was also awarded a Holstein UK Master Breeder Award for Sterndale’s impressive standard in both classification and production.

Michael Smale, Chairman of Holstein UK concludes; “It brings me great joy to congratulate Bill Nadin on this wonderful achievement. He spent many years building one of the UK’s most renowned herds and over his lifetime, he has contributed greatly to the Society and the Holstein breed. His passion, knowledge and dedication of the breed is outstanding and I look forward to the award being presented at the Holstein UK AGM in July 2022.”

All Britain Awards 2021

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 10:49:10 GMT

The All Britain Awards are a judgement of the quality of an animal which has been exhibited within the show ring at recognised shows or events during the year of competition. The quality of the photograph will be taken into account but it is not a photographic competition. A nomination panel will consist of three Judges chosen at the discretion of the Show & Sale Committee. The judges review the entries and select six nominations for each class which will be published in The Journal. The class winners of the All Britain Awards are announced at the All Britain Dinner on the evening of the UK Dairy Expo in March. The class winners - Champion, Reserve Champion and Honourable Mention, are also announced online, on social media and published in the The Journal.

Entries are now open to any prize-winner in a qualifying class during the period beginning 1st January 2021 and ending 10th February 2022.

Find out more and view the entry form

President's Medal Award Finalists Announced

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 10:04:15 GMT

Three passionate and ambitious members of Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) have been selected as finalists for the Holstein UK President’s Medal Award. Holstein UK is delighted to announce the finalists as Cari Thomas (Cornwall), John Mclean (Northern Ireland) and Rachel Williamson (Border & Lakeland).

The President's Medal is awarded to a HYB member who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, Holstein Young Breeders and, in particular, their own Club. The finalists will attend the Semex International Dairy Conference in January where the overall winner will be announced. The ultimate winner of this most coveted and prestigious title will receive an engraved President's Medal from the Holstein UK President, alongside a visit to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in November 2022, courtesy of Semex. Each of the three finalists will also receive a memento to commemorate their achievement.

The entry process began as each Club was asked to nominate one young breeder aged between 18 and 26 years of age. Six young breeders were shortlisted for Zoom interviews with the panel of judges, consisting of Holstein UK President John Jamieson, Semex representative Rodger Mather and 2017 President’s Medal winner Helen Eastham representing Holstein UK.

To be considered for the award, entrants were asked to write and submit an essay titled “The Time is Now to address climate change. As the future of the industry, share your vision of what a sustainable dairy operation should look like.”

Commenting on the finalists, John Jamieson said “We interviewed six exceptional candidates, each with such a passion for the dairy industry. It was an extremely hard decision to shortlist down to our three finalists but they showed a great depth of knowledge through their essays and following the interviews, I am reassured that the future of our dairy industry is in great hands.”

Results from the ABAB Calf Show

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 15:22:35 GMT

Having not taken place since 2019, the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show returned to the East of England Showground for a fantastic showcase of expert young handlers and pedigree dairy calves from across the UK.

The Show took place from Friday 15^th to Sunday 17^th October and saw over 260 calves and 140 young handlers come together for the annual event which represents the Ayrshire, British Friesian, Brown Swiss, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Holstein and Jersey breeds.

With calves arriving from midday on the Friday, the young breeders were left to settle in with their animals before watching Showmanship demonstrations relating to their relevant breeds in the evening. These demonstrations, led by the Master Showmanship Judges provided a great insight into what each Judge would be looking for, along with lots of useful tips and tricks to help them place higher in the internationally recognised competition.

On the Saturday morning, Holstein Showmanship Judge Brian Weatherup welcomed young breeders to the ring to showcase their talent and for him to determine who would be crowned as this year’s Champion Handler. Judge Stuart Williams took to the Coloured Breed’s Ring to help determine their winner.

There were four classes for the Holstein leaders, split by age with Brian selecting Matthew Hodgson from the Border & Lakeland Club as his winner of the Junior Class. In the Intermediate Class, Lillie Jones from the Western Club was in first place with Rosie Dennison from Lancashire winning the Senior Class and Neil Sloan from Scotland placing first in the Matures. Rosie took home the title of Champion, followed by Neil as Reserve and Natasha Kirby, who placed second in the Mature Class, as Honourable Mention.

Sunday’s National Holstein Calf Show, judged by Mr Ben Yates, featured over 140 calves that had qualified at Club Calf Shows across the UK. The December born Wolfa Doorman Celicia 2, owned by William Horsley from the Border & Lakeland Club, was awarded the Champion title with Absolute Doorman Shes a Belter from Absolute Genetics (Lancashire) coming in as Reserve Champion, followed by Grayridge, Drointon & TLC Holstein’s Drointon TLC Jordy OK Seisme from the Scotland Club as Honourable Mention.

In addition to the Team Awards, Holstein UK presented a number of other awards during the annual event.

The Dick Stapleton Award was presented to Zoe Clear from Stonebridge Jerseys for her dedication and passion shown throughout the weekend, along with her support and encouragement of the younger breeders.

The Littlestar Award was presented to Rory Scott from the Scotland Club for his outstanding application and interview in front of the panel of judges consisting of Holstein UK President John Jamieson, Holstein UK Board Member Jane Whittaker and Semex Representative Richard Green.

The Louise Hartley Award was introduced in 2017 in memory of Lancashire HYB member Louise Hartley who sadly lost her battle to cancer in 2016. The award was presented to Jodie Nutsford of the Western Club in recognition of her commitment to her Club and the Holstein breed.

Keep an eye out in the December edition of The Journal for a full report.

Holstein Showmanship Classes

Judge: Brian Weatherup

Class 2: Junior Holstein Showman (12 years of age or under on 1^st January 2021)

1. Matthew Hodgson (Border & Lakeland)

2. Tom Dennison (Lancashire)

3. Ava Montgomery (Northern Ireland)

4. Honor Coombes (South West)

5. Kyle Scott (Scotland)

6. Joe Kirkham (Staffordshire)

7. Izzy Lee (Yorkshire)

8. Lily Cleave (Devon)

9. Alfie Hall (North Eastern)

10. Celyn Wilson (South Wales)

Class 4: Intermediate Holstein Showman (Aged 13 to 15yrs on January 1^st 2021)

1. Lilie Jones (Western)

2. Connor Wharton (Border & Lakeland)

3. Beth Murch (Devon)

4. Isabel Phillips (South West)

5. Sinead O’Neill (Shropshire)

6. Rory Scott (Scotland)

7. Jeremy Jackson (Lancashire)

8. Corey Potter (North Wales)

9. Issaac Davies (South Wales)

10. Jess Thorpe (Cornwall)

Class 6: Senior Holstein Showman (Aged 16 to 20yrs on January 1^st 2021)

1. Rosie Dennison (Lancashire)

2. Izzy Smith (Shropshire)

3. Anna Goldie (North Eastern)

4. Mark Bryson (Scotland)

5. Lucy Atkinson (North Eastern)

6. Jack Wilson (Border & Lakeland)

7. Peter Cotton (Staffordshire)

8. Jodie Nutsford (Western)

9. Emily Davis (Devon)

10. William Neale (Cornwall)

Class 8: Mature Holstein Showman (Aged 21 to 27yrs on January 1st 2021)

1. Neil Sloan (Scotland)

2. Natasha Kirby (Lancashire)

3. Ifan Wilson (South Wales)

4. Will Horsley (Border & Lakeland)

5. Larissa Jones (Western)

6. Lizzie Bradley (North Eastern)

7. Lauren Henry (Northern Ireland)

8. Jo Langley (South West)

9. Lydia Griffiths (Yorkshire)

10. Andrew Thomas (East Midlands)

Holstein Showmanship Championship

Judge: Brian Weatherup

Champion: Rosie Dennison

Reserve Champion: Neil Sloan

Honourable Mention: Natasha Kirby

View the results from the Coloured Breeds →

Holstein Calf Classes

Judge: Mr Ben Yates

Holstein Calf Class 9 Born between 1^st April & 31^st May 2021

15 forward

1. Auchensala Snapchat, Absolute Genetics (Lancashire)

2. Wormanby Moment Mahala, Wormanby Farms Ltd (Border & Lakeland)

3. Firstlook Alligator Sheri, J & S Doherty (Shropshire)

4. Crystalclear Army Britney, ML Farming (Yorkshire)

5. Loford Chief Divine, Frances & Arwyn Wilson (South Wales)

6. Designer Unstopabull Elegance, Designer Holsteins (South East)

7. Stowey Monopoly Danielle Red ET, Mackellar & Creeper (Staffordshire)

8. Mossbog Unstopabull Lola 2, GT & G Boreland (Scotland)

9. Widdenham Arrow Annie, Katie Evans (South & Wiltshire)

10. Katal Frank Rhapsody Master, A M Shirt & K A O'Neil (Derbyshire)

Holstein Calf Class 10 Born between 1^st February & 31^st March 2021

17 forward

1. Crossfell Crushabull Magic, Crossfell Holsteins (Border & Lakeland)

2. Berryholme Alligator Mitzie 2, H Wright & Son (Lancashire)

3. Wiltor Unix Dempsey, Wiltor Holsteins (West Midlands)

4. Katal Thunder Storm Vacation, Matt Norman (Devon)

5. Overside Secretariat Irina, David Gray (Scotland)

6. Tregibby Alongside Nugget, AH Wilson & Sons (South Wales)

7. Valebrook Miama Jessica 2, A J Langley & Son (South West)

8. Astonpool Stroke of Art, Astonpool Holsteins (Staffordshire)

9. Wigboro Fynn Belinda, Smith Farms (East Anglia)

10. Littlebridge Dempsey Honey 7, JL Miles & Sons (North Eastern)

Holstein Calf Class 11 Born between 1^st December 2020 & 31^st January 2021

11 forward

1. Wolfa Doorman Celicia 2, William Horsley (Border & Lakeland)

2. Absolute Doorman Shes a Belter, Absolute Genetics (Lancashire)

3. Ingleden Doc Joy, Border & Lakeland, Messrs Williamson (Border & Lakeland)

4. Racewood Royalcrush Zandra, Racewood Holsteins (Cornwall)

5. Knowlesmere Lambda Bliss, A & J Whittaker (Shropshire)

6. Winkleigh Jordy Sally Red, RM, CE & IR Harris (Devon)

7. Glenmuir Denver Elizabeth, Andrew Struthers (Scotland)

8. Valebrook Lambda Rebecca, A J Langley & Son (South West)

9. Bailmoor Crushtime Ashlyn, Coates Family (Yorkshire)

10. Treetop Casper Peach, Treetop Holsteins (West Midlands)

Holstein Calf Class 12 Born between 1^st October & 30^th November 2020

17 forward

1. Evening King Doc Ashlyn, Evening Holsteins (Border & Lakeland)

2. Shoreline Kingdoc Helen, C & AJ Woodhouse (Lancashire)

3. Riverdane BBB Ghost, Riverdane Holsteins (Western)

4. Norville Diamonds are Forever, C & S Thomasson (Shropshire)

5. Arranview Unix Marie, Kevin Lawrie & Alison Hunter (Scotland)

6. Riverdane Darlingo Rowena, Riverdane Holsteins (Western)

7. Withamhall Oheme Tottie, C Miles (South West)

8. Astonpool B Denver Lynn, Astonpool Holsteins (Staffordshire)

9. Willsbro King Doc Amber 235, Steven Harris & Cari Thomas (Cornwall)

10. Tregibby Doorman Mona, AH Wilson & Sons (South Wales)

Holstein Calf Class 13 Born between 1^st August & 30^th September 2020

14 forward

1. Blydale Chief Lynn ET, Neil Sloan (Scotland)

2. Knowlesmere Artist Starlight, P & J Arrell (Shropshire)

3. Moorshard Toc Fitz Amanda, R K & S G Miller & Sons (South West)

4. Drointon Grayridge Royal Promis, Churchvale Holsteins (South Wales)

5. Holben Racey, Holben (South East)

6. Racewood Doorman Dellia, Racewood Holsteins (Cornwall)

7. Shoreline Rubels Helen, C & AJ Woodhouse (Lancashire)

8. Woodcatt Chief Roxy, D R & H M Horsley (Border & Lakeland)

9. Churchroyd Pepper Patricia, IRG Collins & Partners (Yorkshire)

10. Locklan Jaguar Twilight, Locklan Holsteins (Derbyshire)

Holstein Calf Class 14 Born between 1^st June & 31^st July 2020

13 forward

1. Berryholme Silvio Flo, James McNeil (Scotland)

2. Stowey Altitude Glory Red, R K & S G Miller & Sons (South West)

3. Wolston Undenied Roxy 2, AD & RM Thomas (East Midlands)

4. Lillyhall Fitz Hispan, Newera & Billincoat Holsteins (Lancashire)

5. Barmick CR Amy 3, MP & BJ Hollins & Son (Staffordshire)

6. Langpark Unstopabull Jetsy, G Bradley (North Eastern)

7. Racewood Denver Ambrosia, Racewood Holsteins (Cornwall)

8. Dulais Sidekick Ashlyn, Nev Roberts (South Wales)

9. Curscombe Maui Joy 204, CRJ & JA Bishop (Devon)

10. Katal Chief Autumn 3, A M Shirt & K A O'Neil (Derbyshire)

Holstein Calf Class 15 Born between 1^st April & 31^st May 2020

13 forward

1. Drointon TLC Jordy OK Seisme, Graybridge, Drointon & TLC Holsteins (Scotland)

2. Riverdane Tatoos Ashlyn, J & S Doherty and A Williams (Shropshire)

3. Peak Den Solo Rhapsody, George Thomas (East Midlands)

4. Wigboro Rubels Girl, Smith Farms (East Anglia)

5. Richaven Silver Squaw, M & D Wilson (Border & Lakeland)

6. Hayvalley Royal Ghost Red 2, A M Shirt & K A O’Neil (Derbyshire)

7. Larchwood Denver Patsy, Larchwood Holsteins (South Wales)

8. Wiltor Unix Cheerio, Wiltor Holsteins (West Midlands)

9. Designer Crushabull Adrienne, Designer Holsteins (South East)

10. Barmick Crushtime Dacis 24, MP & BJ Hollins & Son (Stafforshire)

Class 16 - Red & White Holstein Calf Born between 1^st November 2020 & 31^st May 2021

10 forward

1. Winkleigh Jordy Sally Red, RM, CE & IR Harris (Devon)

2. Lucke Altitude America ET, Luck-E Holsteins (Scotland)

3. Racewood Unstopabull Lila Z, Racewood Holsteins (Cornwall)

4. Cadog Shield Afligem Red, Kevin & Sian Rickard (South Wales)

5. Katal Jordy Laura Red, N J Robertson (South & Wiltshire)

6. Woodcatt Rubels Toffee Red, DR & HM Horsley (Border & Lakeland)

7. Crystalclear Integral Dazzler Red, ML Farming (Yorkshire)

8. Leedham Amaretto OK Red, R&S Kirk (East Midlands)

9. Stowey Monopoly Danielle Red ET, Mackellar & Creeper (Staffordshire)

10. Alkmonton Redtsar Mayflower Red 2, FT Lemon & Son (Derbyshire)

Class 17 – Red & White Holstein Calf Born between 1^st April & 31^st October 2020

11 forward

1. Carldanton Integral Dilly, B & G Donald (Border & Lakeland)

2. Stowey Altitude Glory Red , RK & SG Miller & Sons (South West)

3. Shoreline Addison Tina Red, C & AJ Woodhouse (Lancashire)

4. Pinupgirl Reeve Sangria Red, Gillian Weatherup (Scotland)

5. Hayvalley Royal Ghost Red 2, AM Shirt & KA O’Neil (Derbyshire)

6. Littlebridge Unstopabull Promis Red, JL Miles & Sons (North Eastern)

7. Drointon Jordy DB Seisme Red, Emily Gay (Devon)

8. Panda Unstopabull Red, Ricky & Emma Jones (South Wales)

9. Panda Unique Cheerleader Red ET, Designer Holsteins (South East)

10. Nonstop Warrior Shelby Red (Staffordshire)

Overall Red & White Calf

Carldanton Integral Dilly, B & G Donald, Border & Lakeland

Holstein Calf Championship

Champion: Wolfa Doorman Celicia 2, William Horsley, Border & Lakeland

Reserve Champion: Absolute Doorman Shes a Belter, Absolute Genetics, Lancashire

Honourable Mention: Drointon TLC Jordy OK Seisme, Grayridge, Drointon & TLC Holsteins, Scotland

View the results from the Coloured Breeds →

Club Awards

Tidy Lines Competition:

Champion: Border & Lakeland

Reserve Champion: South East

Best Presented Small Stand

Champion: North East

Reserve Champion: East Midlands

Best Presented Large Stand

Champion: Derbyshire

Reserve Champion: Border & Lakeland

Overall Best Presented Stand

Champion: North East

Reserve Champion: Derbyshire

Overall Stand Competition:

Champion: Border & Lakeland

Reserve Champion: Derbyshire

Club's Choice Stand Competition:

1st: Border & Lakeland

2nd=: Derbyshire and Lancashire

Showmanship Team Award:

Joint Winners: Border & Lakeland and Lancashire

Calf Team Award:

Scotland

Champion Team Award

Champion: Border & Lakeland

Reserve Champion: Scotland

Individual Awards

Littlestar Award

Rory Scott (Scotland)

Louise Hartley Award

Jodie Nutsford

Dick Stapleton Award

Zoe Clear

View the results from the Coloured Breeds →

The National Holstein Show

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 13:38:04 GMT

On Wednesday 15^th September, UK Dairy Day returned to Telford with over 7,000 visitors attending the event and all trade stand space sold out. The cattle show featured one hundred and seventy animals from six different breeds and a variety of awards were presented throughout the day. For further information on the 2021 event, visit the UK Dairy Day website.

The National Holstein Show

The 2021 National Holstein Show once again took place at UK Dairy Day in Telford, Shropshire. Judged by Mr David Booth, a fantastic line-up of Holsteins took to the ring with Riverdane Holsteins winning the championship title with home-bred Riverdane Absolute Springsteen. Aliann Atwood Roxette, owned by D W & CE Jones and Sercombe & Kirk was named Reserve Champion with Honourable Mention going to Evening Sidekick Jennifer from Evening Hill Farms Ltd who was also the Champion Heifer.

Holstein Heifer Champion: Evening Sidekick Jennifer (Walnut Sidekick), Evening Hill Farms Ltd

Holstein Grand Champion: Riverdane Absolute Springsteen (Apples Absolute Red), Riverdane Holsteins

View the full results →

A full report will be available to read in the October edition of The Journal.

To view a selection of images from the Show, visit www.richardhodgson.com

Premier Herd Award

Having been crowned Champion Small Herd in their region consistently since 2017, the Davlea herd from the South West region have been crowned as this year’s winner of the prestigious National Holstein UK Premier Herd Award. Presented at UK Dairy Day on Wednesday 15th September, the award recognises the most outstanding Holstein herd in the country.

Howard Sneesby Award

The winner of this year’s Howard Sneesby award is Holstein UK CEO Sue Cope who was presented the award for her enormous contribution towards the National Holstein Show over many years. The award recognises an individual who has made a significant difference to others through their support of the National Holstein Show, and Holstein UK’s Show and Sale Committee determined that Sue would be a very worthy winner.

Having been a member of Holstein Young Members in her early years, Sue’s achievements included winning the prestigious Presidents Medal and she has spent many years showing with her dad and brother under the Huddlesford prefix. Sue began working for Holstein UK in 1995 and throughout her career, she has worked across a variety of roles. Sue has been heavily involved with UK Dairy Day since its inception and has been Event Director for the past seven years. Her commitment to the National Holstein Show has enabled a showcase of world-class Holstein genetics on a global platform.

Michael Smale, Holstein UK Chairman, commented “I am delighted to present the Howard Sneesby Award to Sue Cope. Sue is an integral part of the National Show which wouldn’t be possible without all of the hard work she does behind the scenes.”

Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor Awards

The Riverdane herd were the well-deserved winners of both the Holstein UK Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor Awards at this years National Holstein Show. With many successes throughout the day, including taking home the Champion Holstein title with Riverdane Absolute Springsteen.

The Holstein UK Premier Exhibitor Award recognises the exhibitor who has gained the most points throughout the National Holstein Show. The Holstein UK Premier Breeder Award is presented to an individual in recognition of the success of the animals they have bred at the National Holstein Show.

Tidy and Best Presented Lines Awards

Judged by Helen Jamieson, the Tidy Lines Award and the Best Presented Lines Award both went to Panda Holsteins for their stand which was maintained to perfection.

Livestream

A livestream was filmed on the day and is available to watch online now

The 2022 event will take place on Wednesday 14th September at the International Centre in Telford. www.ukdairyday.co.uk

Howard Sneesby Award Presented to Holstein UK CEO

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 11:58:25 GMT

Davlea Herd wins Holstein UK Premier Herd Award

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:38:15 GMT

Photograph: Judge David Wright, Max Davies, Flick Coates, Holstein UK President John Jamieson

Having been crowned Champion Small Herd in their region consistently since 2017, the Davlea herd from the South West region have been crowned as this year’s winner of the prestigious National Holstein UK Premier Herd Award. Presented at UK Dairy Day on Wednesday 15^th September, the award recognises the most outstanding Holstein herd in the country.

The winner of each individual Club’s herd competition competes against neighbouring clubs to become one of the seven regional winners and finalists in the National Premier Herd Competition. Due to Covid-19, the award has not been presented since 2019.

Ian Davies, and son Max, run their 140 head herd which was established by Ian’s father Bryn in the 1970’s. The farm was initially based in Sussex and is now settled in Somerset following a relocation in 2004. The herd are all year round calving and have access to grazing during the summer months with TMR all year round. Around 300 acres is farmed with a mixture of owned and rented land and contract-grown maize with an aim to produce healthy, balanced and strong cows with quality udders. The herd are currently averaging over 10,000kg at 4.12% butterfat and 3.29% protein.

With prominent families including Alicia, Ashlyn, Loana, Lulu, Pledge and Raven, classification is an integral part of the business. There are currently 60 EX and 80 VG animals in the herd and the Davies’s have seen great success on the show circuit and in previous herds competitions. A major highlight for the herd was winning the National Holstein Show at UK Dairy Day in 2018 with Davlea Bradnick Alicia as well as taking home the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor titles.

National Premier Herd Judge, and 2019 winner, David Wright of the Berryholme herd, visited each of the finalists and commented that “The winning herd was phenomenal! They were very much my type of cows with a stamp of high class udders, balanced dairy frames and great feet and legs throughout with lots of outstanding individuals too”.

The seven regional winners are:

Eastern – R V Winter & Sons, Corringham herd

Northern – J Burrow & Son, Stardale herd

Northern Ireland – J & N McCann, Simlahill herd

Scottish –Brian Weatherup & Partners, Parkend & Lesmay herd

Southern – I M Davies, Davlea herd

Welsh – W P & E G Williams, Waliswood herd

Western – F G Windsor & Sons, Hendomen herd

On behalf of Holstein UK, Chairman Michael Smale, concludes, “I would like to congratulate the Davies family on this extraordinary achievement. With such a distinguished group of national finalists, the competition sees some of the UK’s best herds judged against each other. Davlea have seen great success in the show ring and it’s fantastic for them to receive the Premier Herd title which cements their commitment to breeding quality, purposeful animals. Congratulations must also go to the Stardale herd who were awarded the Reserve Champion title and the Simlahill herd who were recognised as Honourable Mention. I would also like to thank 2019 winner David Wright who has taken the time to visit all of the regional finalists in order to determine the 2021 national winner.”

Holstein UK 2021 Premier Herd Regional Finalists Announced

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:17:37 GMT

Seven herds have been identified as the best within their region and are now recognised as finalists in Holstein UK’s 2021 Premier Herd Competition. Regional competitors were nominated by Holstein Breeders Clubs and, following judging, the regional winners are confirmed as follows:

Eastern – R V Winter & Sons, Corringham herd
Northern – J Burrow & Son, Stardale herd
Northern Ireland – J & N McCann, Simlahill herd
Scottish –Brian Weatherup & Partners, Parkend & Lesmay herd
Southern – I M Davies, Davlea herd
Welsh – W P & E G Williams, Waliswood herd
Western – F G Windsor & Sons, Hendomen herd

The first stage of the competition is for each Club to invite a judge to decide on their winning herd, which is then put forward to Holstein UK to take part in the regional rounds. Nominations are entirely at the discretion of the Club on the basis of qualification standards and the rules provided by Holstein UK to Club Secretaries.

All qualifying regional winners are leading premier herds, consisting of animals which are 90% UK bred (01, 12, 20 breed code). The national winner will claim the prestigious title at 2.20pm at this year’s UK Dairy Day taking place on Wednesday 15^th September at the International Centre, Telford.

In order for the national winner to be chosen, 2019 winner David Wright of the Berryholme Herd will now visit the seven regional winners.

Northern Ireland Herd wins British Friesian Herd of the Year Award

Tue, 04 May 2021 08:58:23 GMT

We are delighted to announce that the Castledale herd, which is owned by Gordon and Gavin Stockdale and family of County Down, Northern Ireland, are the winners of the 2021 British Friesian Herd of the Year Award.

This new award is aimed at recognising the top performing British Friesian herd each year, based on a combination of classification and production. Breed Code 20 females, bred and owned by the member, that have finished two lactations and calved within the last two years, will be allocated points according to their performance. To qualify for the award, a herd must have a minimum of 30 females included in the calculation and must achieve at least 20% of the total points from classification. The British Friesian herd with the highest average number of points (per female included in the calculation) will then be named as Herd of the Year.

The Castledale herd is situated on the Lecale Peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland. The Stockdale family have farmed in the area since the 1600s, however it wasn’t until the 1950’s that British Friesians were introduced onto the farm by Gordon’s father Tom. AI was used from the 1960’s onwards which really drove the herd forwards. In 1997, when Gordon’s son Gavin returned home from college, the herd was graded up to pedigree status under the Castledale prefix; classification and milk recording were also introduced. The Stockdales have always believed that the backbone of any herd is based around good cow families who will reliably breed quality stock for generations. The herd currently comprises of 150 British Friesians and includes 69 EX (including 6 EX95 and 10 EX94), 41 VG and 2 EX bulls. As of 2020, the herd was yielding 7,514 litres, 4.55 fat and 3.45 protein.

Previous achievements include:

Twice winners of the British Friesian herds competition in the last decade.
Top scoring mature cow in the last British Friesian herds competition, Castledale Excelsior Empress 39 (100 tonnes) EX96-10E and runner up heifer Castledale Brandy Pauline 2 (now EX93 in 3^rd lactation).
Runner up in British Friesian bull progeny competition, Castledale Odyssey.
Castledale Excelsior Empress 39 scored EX96 one of the highest scored cows in recent years.
Eight of the Top 20 highest classified British Friesian cows in the last three years are from the Castledale herd.

Sue Cope, Holstein UK CEO, commented: “The British Friesian Herd of the Year Award recognises the most outstanding British Friesian herd based on a combination of both classification and production. I would like to congratulate the Stockdale family on being announced as the first winners of this brand-new award. It is a fantastic achievement in recognition of their hard work and dedication to the British Friesian breed.”

2021 Master Breeder Award Winners

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 12:44:14 GMT

Holstein UK is delighted to announce the winners of its 2021 Master Breeder Awards. Ten high-performing herds have surpassed qualification to claim this prestigious breeder recognition.

Each year Holstein UK announces the winners of the Master Breeder Award in recognition of Holstein member herds which have achieved a high standard in both classification and production. The award highlights those herds that breed trouble-free long living cows that display desirable traits and conformation. Cows and heifers under each herd prefix are allocated points according to set criteria and only UK bred animals carrying the member prefix, and which are recorded as having produced a lactation within the last two years, are eligible for inclusion in the calculation.

The Master Breeder Winners 2021

Clarby – N G Llewellin, Pembrokeshire
Corringham – R V Winter & Sons, Lincolnshire
Erie – E M & E & I R Morgan, Carmarthenshire
Foxminster – F G Luther & Son, Dorset
Holymoor – W J & D M Madin, Derbyshire
Llancourt – T B & S M Rowlands & K & R L Lewis, Pembrokeshire
Richaven – R A Bown, Worcestershire
Sahara – D Jones, Monmouthshire
Whinchat – A C Birkle, Leicestershire
Whitgreave – Stubbs Partners Limited, Staffordshire

Meurig James, Head of Breed Development for Holstein UK, commented; “The Holstein UK Master Breeder Award is a fantastic achievement and recognises herds which breed and develop outstanding cattle with renowned production, conformation, health and longevity. I would like to congratulate the 2021 Master Breeders who I look forward to meeting when lockdown eases and events re-start to present the certificates and shields.”

John Dennison Award Presented to David Yates

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:27:32 GMT

This month usually celebrates the British dairy industry through the leading dairy showcase Borderway UK Dairy Expo, in Carlisle. In recent years, an integral part of this annual event has been the announcement of the winner of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite there being no Borderway UK Dairy Expo event to attend this year, there has still been a presentation of this prestigious award. David Yates from Meikle Firthead Farm, Castle Douglas, was presented with the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement award for his contribution to the dairy industry.

Born in 1931 and from a second-generation farming background, David established renowned Holstein herds which his sons Brian and David now run today. With an international reputation, his life achievements have been an inspiration to future generations – which now include his own grandchildren.

Commenting on the award’s format this year, Glyn Lucas, Harrison & Hetherington’s auctioneer and one of the judges said: “We did not want to cancel the award just because we had to cancel this year’s Dairy Expo. 2021 would have been the 10th Dairy Expo, and the Dennison Family felt it would be appropriate to present the award, albeit in a different format. So, this year, we had the privilege of presenting the award at David’s home, following a “This is Your Life” video reminiscing on all his accomplishments.
This highly acclaimed award, established in memory of Cumbrian dairy farmer John Dennison, aims to recognise a dairy cattle breeder who is judged to be a high achiever and exemplary role model. It is given to those who demonstrate the traits of the award’s namesake: a perfect combination of ability, sportsmanship, integrity, and character within the dairy industry."

Announcing this year’s winner, Glyn added: “On behalf of the Dennison family and our committee, I would just like to say that with so many tremendous nominations, judging and choosing the recipient really is a challenging task. David Yates’ career stood out as an outstanding example of exceptional work ethic, astute business decisions and a driving passion to improve the animals he managed. He is an inspiration to his family, and to others, and presenting him with the award was a special honour.”

Throughout his life David has shown and judged shows across the UK, and his passion still inspires others to this day. His two sons and grandchildren are involved in the industry, and his great grandchildren are displaying interest from their strollers.

Tom Lomas, who nominated David for the award, said: “Mr Yates was a perfect candidate for the award, because everything it represents is exactly what he is about. He has had his own success within the industry, but also encouraged the next generation to progress and to take the business forward. Talking about his farming life today, David says that he wishes he could still do these things, but that his body just will not allow it anymore. To me, this really sums up how great this man is - that even at the fine age of 90, he still wishes to get up, get out, and see the cattle world for how great it really is.”

At first, David was farming two farms by himself. He purchased his first, East Logan, in 1971, and the second, Firthhead, in 1989. In 1996, he handed the farms to each of his two sons, and the boys continue to manage them today. David was initially a Dairy Shorthorn breeder but seeing that these were in decline, he decided to move onto Holsteins. By the mid 1990s he had converted to 100% Holsteins. Along the way he established strong links with Canada, having first visited in the fifties when he helped export nine bulls across the Atlantic from the Perth Bull Sales. In 1982, he established the pattern of an annual visit to Canada, where he had built relationships with Claud Picket of Pickland Holsteins and Peter Heffering of Hanoverhill Holsteins. Regular imports of cows have continued, with the early ones by direct flights into the nearby Prestwick Airport. Today, the East Logan and Meiklefirth herds are built on cows that David bought or had shares in from North America.

On being presented with his award by the Dennison family, David said: “I’m highly honoured to receive the award. I’ve seen a lot of prominent people win it, and never dreamt it could be me. I can’t see what I’ve done to deserve it. It really is a great honour.”

Previous winners of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award are as follows: -

2020 Blaise Tomlinson, owner of the pedigree Sandyford herd in Loughborough
2019 Bill Nadin, from the Sterndale Holstein herd.
2018 Jimmy Wilson, from the Tregibby Herd in Cardigan, Wales
2017 Mark Nutsford, from the Riverdane Herd
2016 Alister Laird, of Blyth Bridge
2015 Sam McCormick, owner of the Hilltara Herd
2014 Mr John Gribbon, noted UK and international figure in the dairy industry
2013 Mike Miller, from Shanael Holsteins

For more information on Borderway UK Dairy Expo: www.harrisonandhetherington.co.uk

Changes to the Star Brood Award for 2021

Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:05:23 GMT

Following a periodic review of our awards schemes, the Holstein UK board of trustees have agreed to make changes to the Star Brood Award for 2021. The Star Brood Award recognises the impact that cows can have within an individual herd as well as the national herd. Points are awarded to each cow based on the achievements of her progeny.

The following changes have been made to the Star Brood Award:

The production index (PI) has been removed from the minimum qualifying standards and has been replaced with an animal’s lactation performance.
Additional points will now be awarded to recognise multiple generations of VG / EX
The points allocation for LP Awards has been extended to recognise that more animals are achieving awards above LP100.
The Star Brood Award will now be calculated automatically for all cows registered into the Holstein UK Herd Book free of charge.
If a member would like to query an animal’s Star Brood Award, then an investigation fee of £25.00 will be charged.
Certificates for new or recalculated Star Brood Awards are only available on request by contacting the Membership Services team.
A new Star Brood Award webpage has been launched within the Members Area which enables Holstein UK members to view a list of all females which have achieved Star Brood status.

The minimum compulsory qualifying criteria for the Star Brood Award is now:

Three progeny classified Good Plus (GP) or higher
Three progeny with a combined fat and protein of 700kgs for any lactation

The same progeny does not have to qualify for each section; however, they do need to be direct progeny of the cow (sons and daughters) rather than grandsons or daughters. A qualifying female will receive one star for every eight points achieved by her progeny. If any progeny of a qualifying female earns Star Brood status, they will receive:

First star - 2 points
Subsequent stars - 1 point per star

Full Star Brood Award points allocation

If you have any questions on the Star Brood Award scheme, then please contact the Membership Services team on 01923 695200 or email info@holstein-uk.org

Holstein UK Master Breeder Award updated for 2021

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:26:08 GMT

The Master Breeder criteria are reviewed on a periodic basis to maintain the relevance of the award. Following the 2020 review, the Board of Trustees have decided to introduce several changes to the criteria from 2021 onwards. These are summarised below:

To emphasise the ‘breeder’ element of the award, from 2021 all females bred by a herd prefix, rather than just those bred and owned by the herd, will be included in the calculation for that (breeder) prefix as long as they reside in any pedigree herd which milk records.
In recent years, an increasing number of herds have been feeding for optimum rather than maximum yields. It has therefore been decided to re-weight the balance between production and longevity in the award criteria. Please see the tables 1 and 2 below for details.
The points structure for classification has been simplified (see table 3 below) and a new requirement has been introduced, that to be eligible for the award, a minimum of 20% of total herd points must be achieved from classification.
A Master Breeder score will now be calculated automatically for every herd prefix, each month. The ten herds with the highest average score over the previous 12 months will be awarded Master Breeder in April of each year. For 2021, the average score from January to March will be used, with awards being calculated in April.
As the British Friesian Club will have a new ‘Herd of the Year’ award commencing in 2021, similar in format to Master Breeder; from 2021 only females which are 87.5% or more Holstein will be eligible for inclusion in the Master Breeder calculation.

Updated Master Breeder criteria for 2021 onwards

Herd must be a current member.
To be eligible for inclusion in the calculation, animals must carry the prefix of herd.
Animals will be included in the calculation if they:
a. are a minimum 87.5% Holstein.
b. have a recorded calving date in the last two years.
c. are recorded (by an official milk recording organisation) as having produced at least one lactation of 250 days or more.
Herds must have at least 40 eligible females included in the calculation.
Herds must achieve at least 20% of the total points from classification.

Points are awarded per eligible animal as follows:

Table 1 Production
Points awarded for each completed lactation of 250 days minimum.

1st completed lactation
700 kgs F&P	1 point
800 kgs F&P	2 points
900 kgs F&P	3 points
1000 kgs F&P	4 points
1100 kgs F&P and more	5 points

2nd and above completed lactations
800 kgs F&P	1 point
900 kgs F&P	2 points
1000 kgs F&P	3 points
1100 kgs F&P	4 points
1200 kgs F&P and more	5 points

Table 2 Lactation number
Points as per below for completed lactations of 250 days minimum.

4 lactations	1 point
5 lactations	2 points
6 lactations	3 points
7 lactations	4 points
8 lactations	5 points
9 lactations	6 points
10 lactations	7 points

Table 3 Classification
Points awarded for the highest published score only.

VG85-87	1point
VG88-89	2 points
EX90-91	3 points
EX92	4 points
EX93	5 points
EX94	6 points
EX95	7 points
EX96	8 points
EX97	9 points

The Master breeder score is calculated using the following formula
[(total class points x 1.5) + (total production points x 0.25) + (total lactation number points)] / Total number of qualifying animals per prefix

Cornwall HYB Member wins 2020 President’s Medal

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 11:23:44 GMT

The prestigious 2020 Holstein UK President’s Medal Award has been awarded to Steven Harris from the Cornwall Holstein Young Breeders Club. Steven has won an engraved medal and a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, kindly funded by HYB’s Principal Sponsor, Semex. Holstein UK would also like to congratulate the two runners up: Heather Martin from the Northern Ireland Club and Rob Higgins from the Shropshire Club.

Sponsored by Semex, the Holstein UK President’s Medal is regarded as an ‘Oscar’ of the dairy world; it recognises and rewards young talent and highlights individuals who are the dairy industry leaders of the future. The Award recognises a Holstein Young Breeder member who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, HYB, and, in particular, their own Club.

The entry process started with each HYB Club being asked to nominate one young breeder aged between 23 and 26 years of age. Six young breeders were shortlisted for interview with the panel of judges, including Robert Clare (Holstein UK President), Ann Taylor (Industry Representative) and Andrew Axford (Semex Representative), following the submission of an essay entitled “In light of the changes facing the UK dairy industry what steps should be taken at farm level to adapt to these changes and boldly go forward?” Steven’s essay will be published in the February 2021 edition of Holstein UK membership magazine The Journal and on the Holstein UK website where the other two finalist’s essays will also be published.

Holstein UK President, Robert Clare, was one of the judges and commented on the winner, “The person that unanimously came to the top and by coincidence was the first essay in which I read, I thought to myself “wow” that essay will be hard to surpass. The interview was fluent with competent answers. After that, we as a panel had to do some soul searching and I think the interviews swayed the day and as a result we were delighted to select Steven Harris from Cornwall as the 2020 winner of the Presidents Medal”.

Adding to the judges feedback, Andrew Axford from Semex said, “Steven offered deep and detailed thoughts that were personal and backed up by sound data. He offered not only a good summary of the situation, but strong insights into solutions for the future”.

Concluding, Ann Taylor who was an industry representative on the judging panel said, “Our winner rose above the rest in both the essay and in the interview. Steven was extremely switched on and without a doubt as the title suggests of “boldly go forward”, he will definitely boldly go forward within his farming business at home and within the industry as a whole, congratulations”.

Finalists Announced for 2020 President's Medal Award

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 10:58:23 GMT

In a year that has seen online nominations and judging over Zoom, Holstein UK is delighted to announce the three Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) finalists selected by the judging panel for the 2020 President’s Medal, sponsored by Semex.

Judging the nominations this year were Holstein UK President Rob Clare, Andrew Axford representing Semex and independent dairy industry judge, Ann Taylor.

The finalists are Heather Martin (Northern Ireland Club), Steven Harris (Cornwall Club) and Rob Higgins, (Shropshire Club). Their submission of an essay was titled “In light of the changes facing the UK dairy industry what steps should be taken at farm level to adapt to these changes and boldly go forward?”

Rob Clare, Holstein UK President led the judges’ comments by saying, “What a hard decision to have to make this year in selecting the finalists. I feel the standard of essays and the positivity of all nominations made by HYB clubs was incredible. Heather Martin, Steven Harris and Rob Higgins are three worthy finalists for the Presidents Medal 2020, congratulations”.

Commenting on the essays, Andrew Axford said, “I thought we received some well-crafted and thought provoking essays which were a credit to all of the finalists. Our three finalists showed that the dairy industry is in good hands. They showed great written work, wrapped up by confident and assured interviews. Well done”.

This year the essays written by the three finalists will be published on the Holstein UK website and they will each receive a ticket to attend the 2022 Semex Conference. The winner will be announced on Friday 27^th November, and will have their essay featured in Holstein UK’s membership magazine, The Journal, published in February.

On behalf of the dairy industry, independent Judge Ann Taylor concludes, “We were very impressed by the six candidates that were interviewed, but we found three that were really quite outstanding. They were very forward-thinking, focused on the dairy industry and their passion for the industry shone through”.

The finalists for the 2020 President's Medal (from l-r): Heather Martin, Steven Harris and Rob Higgins

HYB Awards Presented to Next Generation Dairy Farmers

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 08:43:46 GMT

The annual All Breeds All Britain (ABAB) Calf Show should have been hosted last weekend, however, due to COVID-19 the event unfortunately could not take place.

Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) are delighted to announce that the Louise Hartley and Littlestar Awards have still taken place this year with virtual judging facilitated.

The Louise Hartley Award was launched in 2017 to honour the life of Louise Hartley. In celebration of her life, the Louise Hartley Memorial Fund was set up to give a youngster with an interest in agriculture the chance to further their career. The winner of the award is an HYB member, aged between 18 and 22, who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, Holstein Young Breeders and their own Breeders’ Club.

We are delighted to announce that the 2020 winner of The Louise Hartley Award is Jonny Woodhouse (Lancashire). Sponsored by World Wide Sires, Jonny will have the opportunity to visit their Global Training Centre in Washington State to attend a practical training course.

Jonny joined HYB in 2010 and has represented Lancashire HYB on numerous occasions at UK and European events including ABAB, Open Junior Show in Cremona, German Masters in Verona and Junior European Championships in both Colmar and Libramont. At only 21 he has already made a mark on the showing stage having bred two honourable mention winners at the ABAB Calf Show. Jonny works on the family farm, prefix Shoreline, and regularly helps and supports the younger members of Lancashire HYB.

The Littlestar Award is presented to a HYB member aged 17 or under who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, Holstein Young Breeders and their own Club. The 2020 winner of this award is William Neale (Cornwall). William started showing cattle at the age of eight and joined HYB in 2015. He continues to show and breed cattle with the WJH prefix which he started in 2018 and has his own flock of Texel sheep. He also helps his dad with their pedigree Limousin and Aberdeen Angus herd.

Commenting on the awards, Hannah Williams, Head of Events for Holstein UK, “We would like to thank Michael Dennison (Semex National Sales Manager), Sarah Hartley and Stuart Roberts (NFU Deputy President) for judging this years awards. We hope that next year we can host the ABAB Calf Show as normal and bring all HYB members together again to learn, network and have fun. This years winners are a real credit to the industry and we are immensely proud of how everyone is adapting to the current ways of operating whilst we deal with the impact of COVID-19. On behalf of the Holstein UK trustees, congratulations to Jonny Woodhouse and William Neale.”

Littlestar Award and Louise Hartley Award 2020

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 13:26:20 GMT

Holstein UK are pleased to announce the 2020 winners of the Little Star Award and Louise Hartley Award.

Littlestar Award
Each year at the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show, we present the Littlestar Award to a HYB member aged 17 or under who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, Holstein Young Breeders and their own Club. With the Calf Show unfortunately not taking place this year, we are pleased to have been able to continue with this award and facilitate virtual judging. It is with great pleasure that we can announce William Neale (Cornwall) as the very worthy winner of this award, congratulations! We would like to thank Michael Dennison (Semex National Sales Manager), Sarah Hartley and Stuart Roberts (NFU Deputy President) for judging this award.
Visit Award Web Page

Louise Hartley Award
The Louise Hartley Award was launched in 2017 to honour the life of Louise Hartley. In celebration of her life, the Louise Hartley Memorial Fund was set up to give a youngster with an interest in agriculture the chance to further their career. The winner of the award is an HYB member, aged between 18 and 22, who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, Holstein Young Breeders and their own Breeders’ Club. The regional HYB Club Coordinators then vote on behalf of their Club for the person, not from their own Club, who they think is the most deserving winner. It is with great pleasure that we can announce Jonny Woodhouse (Lancashire) as the very worthy winner of this award, congratulations! Thank you to HYB principle Sponsor Semex and 2020 Sponsor, World Wide Sires who will be sending the winner of the award to the global training centre in Washington State on a practical training course.
Visit Award Web Page

Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award Presented to Award Winning Scottish Farmer

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 07:34:09 GMT

The Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award recognises dedication and service of a farmer, herdsman or any other person involved with Holstein Friesian breed for at least 20 years. Awarded annually by Holstein UK trustees, it is the ultimate accolade for an individual who has unassumingly provided outstanding service to the breed and made a remarkable contribution to the Society.

The 2020 winner is someone who started farming at the age of 13, exempt from National Service for World War Two to help feed the nation. Jack Brewster of the award winning Boclair Herd near Glasgow has been honoured for the 2020 Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award. For 80 years Jack has dedicated his life to the dairy industry, he starting his farming life in the era of hard physical labour with no electricity or tractors. After managing an elderly uncle’s farm he was presented the opportunity to farm in his own right at Boclair. A past president of the Monkland branch of the Young Farmers’ Club, his earliest successes with the Boclair herd was winning the Supreme Friesian Championship for Inspection and Production at The Glasgow Dairy Show in 1963.

Jack was heavily involved in the formation of the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association in 1978, and appointed Chairman for the first two years from its inception. He has served for eight years on the Holstein Friesian Society Show and Sale Committee, the Breed Development Committee for six years and acted as Breed Development Non-Executive Director. In 1990 Jack was appointed as president of the Holstein Friesian Society of Great Britain and Ireland. He has also served as Chairman of the local and area branch of the NFU and, as a director of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board.

His extensive knowledge of the breed has seen Jack judge cattle internationally, including the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show, the Dairy Farming Event, the first Ulster Winter Fair, the Scottish Winter Fair, the Royal Norfolk Show (where he escorted Her Majesty The Queen around the showground) and the Nairobi show in Kenya.

The prestigious Boclair Herd has seen many visitors to the farm, the Brewster family have hosted numerous open days including 1,000 farmers visiting in 1985 for the opening of the new farm complex. More recently they hosted the Premier Herd Open Day following their award presentation at UK Dairy Day 2017. They have also been awarded Master Breeder Status twice - in 2005 and 2016 and celebrated great achievements in the Scottish Herds competition. Out of 21 consecutive years competing, the farm has won 12 times and was placed reserve 8 times.

Commenting on his award Jacks says, “I am extremely proud to win the Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award, which would not have been possible without the help and support of my wife Marion (68 years married) and my two sons David and John. It all started when my father gave me a Friesian calf at the age of thirteen and ever since I have been focused on breeding good cows. I would like to say how much the breed has improved in my lifetime and this is a great credit to all of the members of the Holstein Society. I would also like to thank the Scottish Holstein Club for nominating me. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 93rd birthday and receiving this award is an excellent present. Thank you.”

Jack Brewster was nominated by the Scottish Holstein Club who said; “We are delighted for Jack and all the Brewster family. We cannot think of a more deserving winner.”

Michael Smale, Chairman of Holstein UK concludes; “It is an honour to recognise the commitment Jack Brewster has made to the society and breed over his lifetime. It is with great pride that the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to Jack. His passion, experience and knowledge of the breed is outstanding and this is seen first-hand in the performance of the Boclair herd.”