NOMINATIONS for a national dairy award are now open.

Borderway UK Dairy Expo announced that it is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award.

This will be the eighth year the annual accolade has taken place, which is in memory of John himself, a highly respected Cumbrian farmer, breeder of Denmire Holsteins who passed away in 2012. The prize is designed to recognise a individual who has made a sizeable contribution to the industry.

The judging panel comprises industry leaders, including members of the Dennison family and past winners of the award. Judges have said that they will be choosing a winner who demonstrates the perfect combination of ability, sportsmanship, integrity and character within the dairy livestock sector.

Glyn Lucas, dairy auctioneer at Harrison and Hetherington, organisers of the expo, said:

“The John Dennison Award was set up to recognise a man who made a massive contribution to the industry, but more than that, to ensure we keep acknowledging others like him.

“The award also serves to recognise the importance of the UK dairy industry as a whole, in that we can celebrate our ability to enjoy consuming a variety of dairy products on a daily basis, almost unaware of the work that goes on behind the scenes. This is thanks to farmers like John, throughout the dairy industry, who otherwise often go unnoticed and unacknowledged.

“Each year we are in anticipation of nominations and judging is always tough, but we know that the excitement that comes from the moment that the winner is announced, as it truly is a career-marking event for the recipient.”

The closing date for nominations is Friday, January 31.

The Borderway Dairy Expo will take place on Saturday, March 14 at the Borderway Exhibition Centre, Carlisle.