AN AWARD has been launched in memory of Louise Hartley, the Young Farmer, Holstein enthusaist and farming journalist who lost her battle to ovarian cancer last year.

The Louise Hartley Memorial Fund will give a young person with an interest in agriculture the chance to further their career. Launched by Holstein Young Breeders, the new award is sponsored by Alta Genetics, in conjunction with the Louise Hartley Memorial Fund.

The award winner will receive a place on either a tour of America or Europe, or the opportunity to attend a Dairy Manager School in the UK to develop their skills and learning.

One young breeder, aged between 18 and 22 (as of January 1, 2017), can be nominated for the award by each affiliated HYB club. The person selected to represent the club should also be a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the breed, HYB and their own Breeders’ Club.

Coordinators will then be asked for the member of their choice at the HYB meetin taking place at the All Breed All Britain Calf Show in October. They will not be able to vote a person from their own club, and the winner will be given the choice of the following three options – Alta Advantage Showcase Tour, in America, which takes place in June, Alta Advantage Tour, in Europe, which takes place in September or attend the Dairy Manager School, UK, which takes place in May and October.

Money will also be donated by the Hartley family, from the Louise Hartley Memorial Fund, which will also cover the transport costs for the winner.

Events and national HYB coordinator for Holstein UK, Miriam Bagley, commented: “HYB is privileged to be able to launch this award in celebration and admiration of Louise. She was a wonderful personality, full of energy and boundless creativity and a treasured HYB member.

"Louise excelled at stock judging and showing and was inspired by her dairy farming family," said Ms Bagley. "The whole industry dearly misses her. This new award is our way of celebrating her life and it is with great pride that we officially open the nomination process. Nominations should be made via regional club coordinators and must also be endorsed by the chairman or secretary of the senior club.”

Louise lost her battle to a rare form of ovarian cancer in 2016, at the age of 24. She was a journalist at the Farmers Guardian, a member of Clitheroe Young Farmers, and a supporter of the Lancashire Holstein Young Breeders Club.