PREPARING for a trip of a lifetime are seven young aspiring dairy breeders who have been selected to represent the UK at the European Young Breeders School (EYBS) in Belgium.

From August 28 until September 1, EYBS takes centre stage in the town of Battice, attracting over 150 young members between the ages of 13 and 25 years from up to 25 different countries.

To choose the UK delegation, each Holstein Young Breeders' club was asked to nominate two members who have shown particular commitment to HYB and the dairy industry, and those nominees were then reviewed by a panel of Holstein UK Trustees.

The UK team has now been confirmed as Harriet Jackson from Lancashire, Cari Thomas from Cornwall, James Robinson from Staffordshire, Sophie Powell from the West Midlands, Desmond McCorry from Northern Ireland, George Thomas from the East Midlands, and Holly Dyer – a returning team member – from the South East.

The aim of EYBS is to coordinate young farmers on a European scale, who are keen to learn and increase their knowledge of cattle breeding and showing. The event has now established itself as the international reference for the training of young breeders who are passionate about Holstein cattle. Whilst at EYBS, the young breeders participate in three days of training where they learn the steps of animal preparation for shows. Following the training, two days are spent competing, putting into practice their stock judging and showmanship skills. Throughout the five days, the emphasis is placed on team spirit and the participation of each member is evaluated throughout each stage of animal husbandry and preparation.

After participation in EYBS, many of the young breeders go on to compete on an international stage and work for renowned farms. According to its organisers, EYBS is the best springboard to reach the top in the world of breeding and a great meeting place for future breeders. In three words, it is best described as providing learning, exchange and conviviality.

Events and national HYB coordinator for Holstein UK, Cerys Petrie, commented: “It is fantastic to be presenting a team of seven HYB members to fly the flag for British Agriculture. EYBS is a fantastic event for each member to develop their skills and learning, and to compete and network with their European counterparts. We wish them every luck and success and look forward to following the results online as the event takes place in August.”