Written by Rachel Martin
Members of Holstein UK have elected a Shropshire dairy farmer as their new president.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) took place digitally on Wednesday (July 1). Two members were also elected to the Board of Trustees.
The AGM would typically take place as part of the annual Holstein UK Celebration. However, the event was cancelled earlier this year because of Covid-19.
New president
Robert Clare of the Hawksmoor herd was elected as the new Holstein UK president as Bryan Thomas of the Gelliddu herd ends his 12-month term.
Robert Clare is a highly-respected member of the Shropshire Club and has been an active member of the society for over 50 years.
At club-level, Clare has previously held the roles of club president and club chairman.
Robert was born at Hawksmoor, near Market Drayton, Shropshire, where he grew up and took over the running of the Hawksmoor herd 52 years ago.
Hawksmoor has won Champion Herd of the Shropshire Club for eight consecutive years (2011–2018), and was reserve National Champion Herd in 2017.
Robert has judged county herd competitions in Devon, Staffordshire, Cheshire, South Wales, Derbyshire, The Midlands and Scotland.
Commenting on the change of presidency, Michael Smale, Holstein UK chairman, said: “Thank you to our retiring President Bryan Thomas and all of his family for the considerable time they have given to the society over the past 12 months.
Retiring from the Holstein UK board
Following the end of their second terms on the Board of Trustees, Stephen Brough has stood down from representing the Northern region and Aled Jones has stood down from representing North Wales.
Commenting, Michael Smale said: “I would like to thank both Stephen and Aled for their work, expertise and experience they have given to the board over the past eight years.
“Having both been elected on to the board in 2011, they have now finalised two four year terms and have been fantastic advocates of both the breed and the society.”
New trustees
Andrew Williamson (Ingleden) for Northern region will replace Brough. Williamson farms in partnership with his wife and son in Cumbria.
The Ingleden herd consists of 200 cows and 180 youngstock and has seen success in the show ring, most recently at last year’s All-Britain All-Breeds Calf Show, where the family won the Calf Championship.
Williamson aims to represent the membership in his area and hopes to drive the society forward in all areas of technical innovation whilst becoming more relevant to the commercial dairy farmer.
Anglesey dairy farmer William Williams (Clwch) will represent North Wales region.
Williams established his Clwch herd in 1992 with 25 cows. The family now milk 200 cows and last year won Holstein UK’s Master Breeder award.
Williams is passionate about developing and promoting the Holstein breed and is looking forward to maintaining good communication links between the Society and its members.
Peter Prior (Designer) and Wallace Gregg (Frocess) were re-elected into their second term of office.
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