Borderway UK Dairy Expo organisers Harrison & Hetherington are delighted to declare nominations are now open for the 2025 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. The winner of this prestigious honour, commemorating John Dennison, founder of the Denmire Herd, will be presented with the award during UK Dairy Expo , a premier event in the UK dairy calendar, which this year takes place at Borderway Mart, Carlisle on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th March.
The presentation of this accolade with be a highlight of the event, and the judging panel is ready to welcome nominations from across the UK. 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 his passion for breeding left an indelible mark on the dairy industry, but he was equally committed to nurturing the next generation of farmers. This award was inaugurated to honour individuals who embody the exceptional qualities of ability, sportsmanship and integrity exemplified by John Dennison during his noted dairy farming career and life.
Dairy Expo Event Organiser, Glyn Lucas said: “Presented by The Dennison family, to celebrate individuals held in the highest regard across the country, the John Dennison Lifetime Award has today become one of the dairy industry’s most coveted recognitions. Over the decade and more since the very first presentation, the number of nominations has grown exponentially, and our judges are looking forward to the daunting task of selecting a winner this year, recognising outstanding personal achievements and support to the dairy sector.”
In 2024 the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Geoff Bone, whose unwavering dedication, remarkable contributions, and infectious passion for the dairy sector earned him the admiration and respect of breeders across the UK. Born in the village of Berkermet, Cumbria, Geoff began his career in the dairy industry helping his father managing top herds of his time. He went on to help manage the breeding, showing and sale of top dairy bloodlines including the dominant Jolyan Herd.
In 1997, Geoff joined the Holstein UK classification team, where his expertise and dedication have been instrumental in the breed’s success for the past 27 years. He has also been an enthusiastic part of the Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) movement, actively participating in weekend rallies and national calf shows, where he shares his knowledge and inspires the next generation of dairy enthusiasts.
On receiving this prestigious accolade last year, Geoff said : “This is a terrific industry award, and I feel supremely humbled to be honoured by the Dennison family at Dairy Expo.
Previous winners of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award are as follows:
2023 Hugh Kennedy, of Stair and Stairend herds at East and West Cargillan
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 .
