Nation Farmers’ Union (NFU) Cymru and NFU Mutual have once again launched the search for the Dairy Stockman of the Year.
Now in its seventh year, the Welsh Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award seeks to champion dedicated, committed and enthusiastic dairy stock managers from across the country.
Championing the best farmers
Gareth Richards, NFU Cymru Milk Board chairman, said: “As a dairy farmer, I am very passionate about the agricultural industry and championing those individuals who go the extra mile to ensure they have happy, healthy cows is important.
“The award aims to recognise the key role that a good dairy stockperson plays in a successful dairy enterprise and to the Welsh dairy industry as a whole.
Potential award winners will be judged on their care and management of the herd, the breeding programme, their handling skills, their involvement in the dairy enterprise and their knowledge of the dairy industry in Wales.
“As chairman of the NFU Cymru Milk Board I am excited to be taking part in the judging process for the first time and I would urge you all to nominate a dairy farmer or manager in your area who you believe deserves to be recognised for their work within the industry.”
The closing date for entries is Monday, October 1, 2018. The winner will be announced at this year’s Welsh Dairy Show at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, on Tuesday, October 30, 2018.
Dai Davies OBE, chairman of NFU Mutual’s Advisory Board for Wales said: “The quality of the stockmanship is a major factor in determining the success of any dairy enterprise.
We have some superb stockmen and women involved in the dairy industry in Wales and I am confident that this will be a keenly contested competition and one which NFU Mutual is pleased to support as the leading rural insurer in Wales.
Mair James, Welsh Dairy Show Secretary said: “This award is a fantastic way of raising the profile of the dairy industry and those who work within it, therefore the Welsh Dairy Show is pleased to be associated with NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual in this Award.”
How to enter
This year’s winner will receive £500 and an engraved Welsh slate cheese board and the person nominating the winner of the award will also receive £50 of farm shop vouchers or goods.
Anyone wishing to enter or nominate someone for the award should email: [email protected]; or call: 01982-554-200 for an application form.