Howard Sneesby Award
The Howard Sneesby Memorial Trophy is awarded at the National Holstein Show to the person who has made a significant difference to others through constant support and encouragement. The winner is chosen by the Holstein UK Show & Sale Committee.
2023
Lizzie Yates received the Howard Sneesby award this year for her immense contribution to the National Holstein Show since 2016. Holstein UK's Show and Sale Committee decided that Lizzie is a very deserving recipient. She has been involved in the industry all her life coming herself from a farming background and has worked for the Holstein UK Group since 2016. Lizzie began working for the Cattle Information Service in 2016 and she has been heavily involved with the National Holstein Show in her capacity as Cattle Office Manager. She is an integral member of the team not just with the organisation of the event but also in the promotion of the Holstein UK Group.
Wallace Gregg, Holstein UK Chairman, commented “The National Show would not be possible without Lizzie's hard work behind the scenes. Through her commitment to the National Holstein Show, world-class Holstein genetics have been showcased on a global scale.”
2022
Ian Leach is the very worthy winner of the 2022 Howard Sneesby Award for his contribution towards the National Holstein Show. Ian is a very valued member of The Holstein UK Group and his knowledge and compassion for the dairy industry knows no bounds. Ian joined the Holstein Society in 1988, first working in the office, then as a member of the Holstein UK Field Staff. In 2002, he moved to CIS as Area Manager before moving to CIS Processing in 2003. Ian has been actively involved with the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show for many years and, latterly, every UK Dairy Day, as Biosecurity Officer.
2021
Sue Cope, Holstein UK CEO, presented by Michael Smale and John Jamieson
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.”
2020
The award was not presented due to COVID-19.
2019
Carl Smith, presented by Edward Griffiths at UK Dairy Day 2019
Holstein UK, organisers of UK Dairy Day, were delighted to present the 2019 Howard Sneesby Memorial Trophy at this year’s event. The award recognises an individual who has made a significant difference to others through their support of the Holstein National Show.
The Holstein UK Show & Sale Committee were delighted to select Carl Smith as the winner of this wonderful accolade. Carl from Preston, Lancashire, has been involved in farming from a very young age and understands the dairy sector inside and out. Throughout his youth he was heavily involved in Holstein Young Breeders before becoming the Coordinator of the Lancashire Club. This led to Carl sitting on the Board of Trustees for eight years on the Show & Sale Committee where he was extremely instrumental in the very first UK Dairy Day in 2014. Since the first event, Carl held the position of Show Director for five years and retired in July this year from the Board. Carl has received great success on the show circuit, winning many major shows and alongside his formal commitment to Holstein UK, Carl has been a fitter on the global show circuit. He now farms his own herd of Holsteins under the Inspired prefix with the help of his wife Jane and twins Liam and Alicia.
Sue Cope, Holstein UK CEO, commented “From the ideation of the very first UK Dairy Day in 2014, Carl brought the event to fruition and was instrumental in making it happen. He was a huge supporter of each event and held the position of Show Director for five years before retiring from the Holstein UK Board of Trustees in July 2019. I am delighted that Carl has received such recognition for his devotion to the event and has been awarded with the Howard Sneesby Memorial Trophy which is the perfect platform to acknowledge the unsung heroes of our industry”.
2018
Yasmin Bradbury & Bill Nadin (not pictured), presented by Andrew Birkle at UK Dairy Day 2018
2017
Richard Hodgson presented by Andrew Birkle at UK Dairy Day 2017
2016
Ben Yates presented by David Tomlinson at UK Dairy Day 2016
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