The hunt is on to find Wales’ next top dairy stock manager as entries open for the 12th NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award.

The award recognises dedicated and enthusiastic dairy stockpeople from across Wales. This year’s winner will receive £500 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board, with the result announced at the Welsh Dairy Show in Carmarthen on Tuesday, October 28.

Jonathan Wilkinson, NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chairman, who will be judging, 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.

“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.”

Also judging will be Rhys Williams, NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Group Secretary for Llandeilo, who said: “The quality of stockmanship is a major factor in determining the success of any dairy enterprise. We have some superb stock people 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 farming insurer.”

The deadline for entries is Friday, September 26. Application forms are available on the NFU Cymru website, or by emailing [email protected] or calling 01982 554200.