Nominations are now being sought for the 2019 John Dennison Award
As we welcome in 2019, Borderway UK Dairy Expo welcome back the highly acclaimed John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award initiated by the Dennison family. Entries are now being invited from all sectors of the dairy industry for this sought-after award, which was last year won by past President of the Holstein Association, Jimmy Wilson, from the Tregibby Herd in Cardigan.
This annual accolade, now in its 7th year, is personally awarded and presented by the Dennison family, in memory of the renowned breeder of Denmire Holsteins, John Dennison, with the winner announced at this year’s Borderway UK Dairy Expo on Saturday 9th March 2019.
The judging panel comprises of industry leaders, including members of the Dennison family and past winners of the award. Together, they look for an individual that reflect the traits of its namesake, John Dennison and similarly someone who is judged to be an exemplary role model and has made a significant contribution to the dairy industry.
People they expect to be to put forward are those that have worked consistently throughout their lifetime to earn a status of high regard in the dairy and farming community. Anyone who would like to make a nomination should send a brief resume on the nominee to the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, c/o Glyn Lucas, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd., Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS. The closing date for nominations is Thursday 31st January 2019.
Glyn Lucas, Dairy Auctioneer at Harrison and Hetherington, said: “The British dairy industry is renowned across the world, along with many of the individuals who work within it and the Dennison family wanted to recognise these individuals.
John Dennison was a highly respected and celebrated figure within the industry and we, all attendees of Dairy Expo, are proud to be able to highlight those who have dedicated their life to dairy. The moment when the winner of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award is announced is a moment not likely to be forgotten by any recipient, and we very much look forward to receiving 2019 nominations.”
Former recipients have included Mike Miller of Shanael Holsteins, John Gribbon, Sammy McCormick of the Hilltara Herd, Bangor, Alister Laird of Blyth Bridge, Peebleshire and Mark Nutsford from the Riverdane Herd.
John Dennison farmed at Scales Farm in Ulverston and was highly respected for his extraordinary skills as a pedigree breeder and showman. Having engaged with the industry and community at all levels, John was also well known as a judge and aspirational figure to young people, who acted as a consistently stellar ambassador for the Holstein breed and mentor to the younger generation of Holstein breeders. Following his death in 2012, this honour was introduced as a mark of the deep respect for the lifelong contribution that John made to dairy farming and the dairy industry.
These awardees have all been truly grateful upon receiving their accolade. Last year’s winner, Jimmy Wilson, commented: “It is a great honour, and privilege to accept this award and it is truly a lifetime achievement, and something that you cannot buy. I am totally surprised and on behalf of my wife and family, would like to thank the Dennison family.”
This year will see judges travelling from North America, Canada and across the UK to witness the very best of British dairy genetics, including Championship Cattle Classes, the Showmanship Youth Championships, as well as a variety of trade exhibitions.
The 2019 Borderway UK Dairy Expo takes place at the Borderway Exhibition Centre, Carlisle, on Saturday 9th March 2019 and continues to be free for all spectators who attend.
