WINNER of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the dairy industry is Cheshire-based breeder, Mark Nutsford of Riverdane Holsteins.

The award, which was presented at Harrison and Hetherington's Borderway UK Dairy Expo, is presented every year in memory of John Dennison of Denmire Holsteins.

Commenting on his award, Mark said: “I have had many wins in the showring, however this is the best thing that I have ever been awarded. John Dennison was a true friend and mentor and I am totally overcome.”

Mark, alongside his wife, Sue, purchased Ravenscroft Hall Farm in 1999 and established the Riverdane herd, which currently milks 85 cows. Mark also owns or co-owns three other businesses within the industry to include Celltech Embryo Transfer, one of the premier Embryo Transfer services in the UK; Kingstreet Sires, an artificial insemination business offering the best of worldwide dairy genetics; and ActIVF ET which is a company formed in conjunction with the University of Nottingham, pioneering the use of IVF technology in cattle in the UK.

Despite not being born in to a farming family, Mark is now an internationally renowned judge and showman. Over the years he has enjoyed almost unparalleled show success including winning the Royal Show twice, Agriscot four times and the National Holstein Show.

In 2005, Mark either bred or exhibited the champion of nearly every major show in the UK.