Harrison & Hetherington are delighted to announce that the nominations are now open for the 2024 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. The winner will be presented with the award during UK Dairy Expo , a premier event in the UK dairy calendar, held at Borderway Mart, Carlisle. This, the 12th Borderway UK Dairy Expo, will take place on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th March, and as always, the presentation of this esteemed accolade is always a highlight of the event.
Nominations should be put forward by sending a brief resume to the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, c/o Glyn Lucas, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd., Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS or by email to [email protected] .
The closing date for all nominations is Friday 9th February.
John Dennison, farmed at Scales Farm in Ulverston and founded the Denmire Holstein. John had a passion for breeding and left an indelible mark on the dairy industry. He was committed to nurturing the next generation of farmers and this award is intended to honour individuals who embody the exceptional qualities of ability, sportsmanship and integrity. These are characteristics which were exemplified by John Dennison during his noted dairy farming career and life.
Dairy Expo Event Organiser, Glyn Lucas said, “For over a decade now, The John Dennison Lifetime Award, presented by The Dennison family, has celebrated individuals held in the highest regard within the industry. The judging panel looks forward to selecting another worthy winner this year, recognising personal achievements and support to the dairy sector.”
The 2023 winner was Ayrshire dairy farmer Hugh Kenndy. Well-known and highly respected throughout the dairy industry, Hugh Kennedy has been a prominent breeder of Holsteins since he began farming at East Carngillan near Tarbolton. Hugh expanded his Stair and Stairend herds at East and West Cargillan into a leading dairy business and breeding operation whose bloodlines have won prizes and plaudits throughout the UK, Europe, and the United States.
When receiving the prestigious accolade last year, Hugh said: “This is unbelievable, I am absolutely speechless. Cows have been my life, and I loved John Dennison, he was one of my heroes and one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever meet. I am so very humbled to receive this recognition.”
Previous winners of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award are as follows:
2022 Harry Hodgson, of Wormanby Farm, Burgh by Sands, Carlisle
2021 David Yates, from Meikle Firthhead Farm, Castle Douglas
2020 Blaise Tomlinson, owner of the pedigree Sandyford herd in Loughborough
2019 Bill Nadin, from the Sterndale Holstein herd
2018 Jimmy Wilson, from the Tregibby Herd in Cardigan, Wales
2017 Mark Nutsford, from the Riverdane Herd
2016 Alister Laird, of Blyth Bridge
2015 Sam McCormick, owner of the Hilltara Herd
2014 Mr John Gribbon, noted UK and international figure in the dairy industry
2013 Mike Miller, from Shanael Holsteins
UK Borderway Dairy Expo regularly sees in the region of 7,000 visitors, as well as reaching a global audience through its livestream. The event acts as a shop window for breeders and producers and brings together some of the UK’s best quality dairy cattle. For further information on the event and the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, visit the website: www.borderwaydairyexpo.uk
