PHIL POTTS of the Border and Lakeland Holstein Club has won this year's Holstein Young Breeders Louise Hartley Award.

The award is sponsored by World Wide Sires, in conjunction with the Louise Hartley Memorial Fund, and was introduced in 2017 in memory of the Lancashire HYB member after she lost her battle with cancer. As a remarkable ambassador for British farming, with a passion for livestock, HYB felt the award provided some recognition of the inspirational talent Louise had shown.

This year's award was presented to Mr Potts by John and Sarah Hartley at the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show, in recognition of him 'continuously going the extra mile' for his club, and always having the time and patience to help its younger members.

After graduating from Newton Rigg College, Phil went to work for his uncles Stephen and Richard of the Carrock herd at Buckabank Hall. He then worked for a few local farms before gaining his current position working for Kevin and Christine Wilson of Warnelview Holsteins. Phil is currently the Border and Lakeland Club chairman and recently organised several training days for its HYB members to help develop their knowledge of showing calves and reason giving.

WWS will now provide him with a trip of a lifetime to attend their Global Training Centre in Washington State, USA, on an eight day intensive training course specifically designed to advance the knowledge and skill of each individual attending. Working alongside trainers, vets and WWS consultants, the course participants will receive one-on-one training and see the latest developments in Artificial Insemination and dairy management.

Commenting on his win, Phil said: “When my name got read out, I felt extremely proud and honoured to be part of Louise’s legacy. I am looking forward to the opportunity to go and meet people who use different farming systems and to see what I can learn from them.”