For the second year running a member of the Cornwall Holstein Young Breeders Club (HYB) has won a national award.

Cari Thomas has been awarded the Holstein UK President's Medal Award.

Cari won the title for her outstanding contribution to the Holstein breed, to the HYB and her club.

She was given an engraved medal and a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto.

The two runners up were John Mclean from the Northern Ireland Club and Rachel Williamson from the Border and Lakeland Club.

Last year Steven Harris, from Racewood Holsteins based near Bodmin, won the award.

Sponsored by Semex, the Holstein UK President’s Medal recognises and rewards young talent and highlights individuals who are the dairy farmers of the future.

The entry process began with each Club nominating one young breeder aged between 18 and 26 years of age.

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.'

Holstein UK president, John Jamieson, said: "The three finalists are an excellent example of the calibre of the people who have been put forward for the President’s Medal this year.

"To be a winner or a finalist has proven on many occasions in the past to be a stepping stone to greater things and is one of the most sought after awards within HYB.

"With Scotland hosting COP26, the essay title was very appropriate and stimulated a great response from all of the nominees.

"The final three young members were equally as motivated in what they do and matched the criteria that was required to be a contender.

"Our three finalists are all enthusiastic individuals with a great knowledge of pedigree breeding and they are all heavily involved with HYB.

"All three have progressed to be a great support for their respective clubs and they are a credit to themselves, their families and Holstein UK.

"On behalf of the judges, we would like to congratulate Cari Thomas on being a very deserving winner, and to both Rachel and John as very worthy runners up.”