Harry Hodgson – owner of the Wormanby 500-cow Holstein herd, Burgh by Sands, Carlisle, is the 2022 recipient of the John Dennison Lifetime achievement award.

Harry works alongside his son, David in one of the top herds in the UK and this year marks 50 years since the start of the Hodgson’s family tenancy at Wormanby.

He farmed in partnership with his brother John until 1988 when their father retired, and by this time the Wormanby Holstein herd had secured pedigree status and was well established.

The team has won several accolades, including winning the Holstein UK Premier Herd Competition in 2015 and Master Breeder Shield twice in 2009 and 2019.

"This is the biggest surprise of my life, and this award is not just for me it is for the entire family. John Dennison was a great friend and someone I admired hugely. He has been and still is missed by all within the dairy farming community,” said Harry.

On announcing this year’s winner, Harrison and Hetherington’s senior pedigree dairy auctioneer, Glyn Lucas said: “Harry is an excellent role model for many aspiring young breeders and for his outstanding skills as a farmer and breeder. He is very like John Dennison himself, both in terms of personality and the way he encourages the next generation of dairy farmers. What was absolutely clear is that the younger breeders look up to Harry and respect his input and knowledge.

“Yes, this award is for Harry and his lifetime’s commitment to the dairy industry, but we must also mention his wife Margaret, who has continuously played an integral role on the farm, supporting Harry and the rest of the family.”