Cari Thomas, a young breeder from Cornwall, has been awarded the prestigious 2021 President’s Medal Award by Holstein UK for the second consecutive year.
Thomas has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Holstein breed and has won an engraved medal, as well as a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, funded by HYB’s principal sponsor, Semex.
John Mclean, from the Northern Ireland club and Rachel Williamson, from the Border and Lakeland club were awarded the runner-up positions.
“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,” said Holstein UK president, John Jamieson.
“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 [Holstein Young Breeders].
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,” he concluded.
The Holstein UK President’s Medal
The Holstein UK President’s Medal recognises and rewards young talent and highlights individuals who are the dairy farmers of the future.
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.
