Cornwall Young Breeder Claims Prestigious Award

 

Holstein UK are delighted to present the prestigious 2021 President’s Medal Award to a member of the Cornwall HYB Club for the second consecutive year. Cari Thomas has claimed the title for her outstanding contribution to the Holstein breed, HYB and her Club and she 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 also congratulate the two runners up John Mclean from the Northern Ireland Club and Rachel Williamson from the Border & Lakeland Club.

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 winner of the Award, which is usually presented at the Semex International Conference, was announced virtually on Monday 10^th January due to the Conference being cancelled due to the current Covid-19 restrictions.

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.” Six young breeders were then shortlisted for online 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 who was representing Holstein UK. Following the interviews, the final three young members were selected ahead of the winner being officially announced.

Holstein UK President, John Jamieson, commented, “Semex have supported and sponsored the President’s Medal since its inception and the conference was a great platform for the presentations to be made whilst also being a great opportunity for the finalists to meet the delegates. We really appreciate everything Semex do to support Holstein Young Breeders and it is unfortunate not to be able to announce the results in person. We had a quality entry of nine nominees and myself and the other Judges were all very impressed with the young breeders who were nominated. 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.”