Holstein UK has welcomed a new president, new trustree and new chair of the board of trustees following its annual general meeting (AGM) at the Blunsdon House Hotel, Wiltshire.

Nick Heyler was elected to the position of president and Iain McLean was appointed as a trustee.

Upon ending his twelve-month term, Holstein UK president Andrew Jones of the Rossett herd was thanked for his service.

Wallace Gregg has stepped down from the position of chair of the board of trustees with Steve Hill taking over.

Nick Heyler

The new Holstein UK president, with his family, established the Clampitt herd in 1965 with the purchase of a few bulling heifers.

Located within 561ha, the milking herd has since grown to 230 cows yielding 11,149 litres at 4.22% butterfat and 3.28% protein per year on twice-day milking.

The cows are housed all year round and fed on a ration of maize, lucerne and grass silages.

In the past, Heyler has been president and chair of the South and Wiltshire Holstein Club, as well as chair of Salisbury National Farmers’ Union (NFU) and Salisbury Discussion Club.

He was elected onto the Holstein UK board of trustees in 2004 serving his eight year term until 2012, he also sat on the CIS board from 2007 to 2012, holding the position of chair in his last two years.

Holstein UK said Heyler has continued to be involved with the breed ever since, not only within the confines of his own herd but also within the breed society itself.

Outgoing and incoming chair

Retiring from the Holstein UK board, Wallace Gregg has stepped down as chair of the board of trustees and representative of Northern Ireland after serving his second term on the board.

Gregg expressed his gratitude to outgoing president Andrew Jones and his family for their “time and dedication” to Holstein UK over the past year.

“Throughout his tenure as president, Andrew has attended numerous society, club, and industry events with his wife Jenny,” he said.

“It has been a pleasure for all of us to have Andrew at the helm of the society. I would also like to wish Nick all the very best in his new role over the coming year.”

Steve Hill has taken over as Holstein UK chair following Wallace Gregg’s departure from the board.

Incoming Holstein UK chair, Steve Hill, said: “Wallace has been a tremendous asset to the board and I appreciate the expertise and experience he has brought to the table.

“He has been an excellent advocate for the breed and the society since he was elected to the board in 2018, especially in his role as chair over the past year.

“On behalf of Holstein UK and the board of trustees I would like to express our sincere gratitude to him.”

Iain McLean

Based on the north coast of Northern Ireland, near the Giant’s Causeway, McLean and his family own the Priestland herd which was established in 1911 and graded up to pedigree status in 1994.

The herd is made up of 140 cows which milked twice a day through a 16:32 parlour, plus around 200 followers.

McLean and his family have seen great on the show circuit with a particular highlight being Priestland 5446 Shot J Rose taking the Champion Holstein title at the 2021 Balmoral Show.

He hopes to explore ways in which the society can help members utilise their information through the full range of services provided by the society, Holstein UK said.