JESS MILLS from the Derbyshire Holstein Young Breeders Club has been awarded Holstein UK's 2018 President’s Medal.

As her prize, Ms Mills will take a trip to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, funded by HYB’s principal sponsor, Semex, later this year.

Holstein UK has also congratulated the two runners up for the award, James Doherty from the Shropshire Club and Jess Hurren from the North East Club.

The Holstein UK President’s Medal, presented at the Semex Conference in Glasgow, is regarded as an ‘Oscar’ of the dairy world; recognising and rewarding young talent, and highlighting individuals who are the dairy farmers of the future.

The entry process started with each HYB Club being asked to nominate one young breeder aged between 23 and 26 years of age. Six young breeders were shortlisted for interview with the panel of judges, including Holstein UK president Peter Waring, geneticist Darren Todd and Semex rep Rodger Mather, following submission of an essay titled “Nine years after the first genomic bulls were used female genomic testing is on the rise. Discuss the role of this technology within modern dairy farming and how you could use this data within your own herd management”.

Mr Waring said: “All three candidates were very impressive and came across as particularly hard-working, dedicated young people. We were very impressed by their passion and enthusiasm for the industry as a whole, but in particular pedigree breeding.

"They displayed some very innovative thinking in their quest to improve their herds. HYB has obviously been a great experience for them, both socially and in terms of developing their knowledge of dairying. With the future of our industry in the hands of such capable young people, we should be confident that British dairying will progress and thrive in the years to come.”

Hannah Williams, head of Events and Marketing for Holstein UK, added, “It is wonderful to see such inspirational young people coming through Holstein Young Breeders and we would like to congratulate them all. On behalf of Holstein UK and HYB I would also like to thank our principal sponsor Semex UK who continue to make a significant financial contribution to the advancement and success of Holstein Young Breeders.”