Searching for the stockperson of the year

Now in its eighth year, the Welsh dairy stockperson of the year award seeks to champion dedicated, committed and enthusiastic dairy stock managers from across Wales.

Gareth Richards, the NFU Cymru milk board chairman, said: “As a dairy farmer, I am very passionate about the agricultural industry and championing those individuals who go the extra mile to ensure they have happy, healthy cows is important.

“The award aims to recognise the key role that a good dairy stockperson plays in a successful dairy enterprise and the Welsh dairy industry as a whole.

"Potential award winners will be judged on their care and management of the herd, the breeding programme, their handling skills, their involvement in the dairy enterprise and their knowledge of the dairy industry in Wales.

“This will be my second year of judging this fantastic award and I would urge you all to nominate a dairy farmer or manager in your area who you believe deserves to be recognised for their work within the industry.”

The closing date for entries is Monday, October 7 and the winner will be announced at this year’s Welsh Dairy Show at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, on October 29.

Rob Thomas, who will be judging on behalf of NFU Mutual again this year, said: “The quality of stockmanship is a major factor in determining the success of any dairy enterprise.

"We have some superb stockpeople involved in the dairy industry in Wales and I am confident that this will be a keenly contested competition and one which NFU Mutual is pleased to support as the leading rural insurer in Wales.”

This year’s winner will receive £500 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board. The person who nominates the winner of the award will also receive £50 worth of local farm shop vouchers or goods.

For more information, visit the NFU Cymru website where people can download an application form.

Alternatively, people can e-mail clare.williams@nfu.org.uk or call the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200.