Holstein Young Breeder from Cornwall is finalist for President’s Medal

She has been invited to attend the Semex Conference in January, where the winner will be announced.

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 farmers of the future. The Award is presented to a HYB member who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, Holstein Young Breeders, and, in particular, their own Club.

The entry process starts with each HYB Club 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, which this year included Bryan Thomas (Holstein UK President), Lynette Steel (Industry Representative) and Rodger Mather (Semex Representative) who all commented on the high quality of this year’s interviewees.

Applicants were also required to submit an essay titled “What can all of us, as breeders who work in the UK dairy industry, do to reverse the trend of consumers choosing cows’ milk alternatives?”

The essays written by the three finalists will be published on the Holstein UK website. The winner’s essay will also be featured in Holstein UK’s membership magazine, The Journal.

The judges said, “The quality and standard of the final six were outstanding, we could have confidently taken forward any of the candidates. The final three will undoubtedly be great ambassadors for the breed and the industry going forward. It was a pleasure to be a part of the interview panel and with such committed HYB members.”

The award is presented on the first day of the Semex International Dairy Conference in January. Once crowned, the deserving winner will receive an engraved medal and an all-expenses paid trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto in November 2020.

READ MORE: International success for Cornwall and Devon Holstein Young Breeders