NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual have launched their Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award.

Now in its sixth year, the Welsh Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award seeks to champion dedicated, committed and enthusiastic dairy stock managers from across Wales.

Aled Jones, NFU Cymru Milk Board chairman, said: “We want to recognise the key role that a good dairy stockperson plays in a successful dairy enterprise and to 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.

“As a dairy farmer myself, I am very passionate about the industry and I believe it is important to champion those individuals who go above and beyond to ensure they have happy and healthy cows. 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, September 25, and the winner will be announced at this year’s Welsh Dairy Show at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, on Tuesday, October 24.

Dai Davies OBE, chairman of NFU Mutual’s Advisory Board for Wales, said: “The quality of the 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.”

Mair James, Welsh Dairy Show secretary, said: “This award is a fantastic way of raising the profile of the dairy industry and those who work within it, therefore the Welsh Dairy Show is pleased to be associated with NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual in this Award.”

This year’s winner will receive £300 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board and the person nominating the winner of the award will also receive £50 worth of local farm shop vouchers or goods.

For more information regarding the award, please visit the NFU Cymru website www.nfu-cymru.org.uk. Anyone wishing to enter or nominate someone for the award should email [email protected] or call 01982 554200 for an application form.