L to R: Semex representative Michael Dennison, finalists Michael Yates, Becky Robertson, Matthew Williamson, Nicola Lockyer, Andrew Patton, Nick Eccles and Holstein UK President Randolph Miller.
A trio of young Holstein enthusiasts from across the UK have been announced as the finalists in the prestigious President’s Medal Award.
After deliberating over the nominee-written essays titled ‘My Agenda for Dairy Farming’, six young members were shortlisted for interview. Judging was in the hands of Holstein UK president Randolph Miller, Semex marketing manager Peter Arthur and non-executive director of Holstein Young Breeders Edward Griffiths, with all three commenting on the high standard of the six finalists.
Randolph Miller said: “Judging the President’s Medal was an enjoyable job, particualry as myself, Peter and Edward were unanimous in our decision for the final three. We were looking for a well grounded individual with a good understanding of the industry and Holstein breed, who is involved in farming and has made a big contribution to their Holstein Club and Holstein Young Breeders.”
Making the cut were Northern Ireland-based Andrew Patton, Michael Yates from Scotland and Devon member Nicola Lockyer who now eagerly await the announcement of the winner at the Semex Conference in January.
Andrew Patton, 24, has been working at the home farm with his family’s Ards herd for three years since completing an honours degree in Agriculture at Queens University. He has enjoyed a lot of success through Holstein Young Breeders and is particularly interested in genomics. As well as being an enthusiastic member Andrew is also Northern Ireland HYB Club secretary and is responsible for updating social media.
Scotland South’s representative, Michael Yates, 26, is responsible for the day to day running of his family’s Logan herd having worked on the home farm since leaving school. Michael is a perfectionist in everything he does and has enjoyed numerous successes in both HYB and Young Farmers. He also has a forward thinking approach to the industry.
Nicola Lockyer, 25, is the only one of four daughters to be interested in farming and following the unexpected and tragic death of her father Nicky took over management of the Curscombe herd. In 2014 Nicky was co-ordinator of Devon HYB when they hosted the Weekend Rally, as well as putting a lot of enthusiasm in to hosting the event she has also been successful in recruiting many young members in Devon.
The winner will be announced at the Semex Conference in Glasgow on the 11th January 2016.
