Holstein UK’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognises individuals who have dedicated at least twenty years of service to the Holstein and/or British Friesian breeds. The award represents the ultimate honour for those who have made noteworthy contributions to the Society in an unassuming manner.
This year, the Board of Trustees after much deliberation, a healthy number of nominations and a tremendous quality across the nominees, have selected the following to be awarded with Lifetime Achievement Awards for 2025, Ken Proctor from the Airfield herd and Robert Horton from the Hinton herd.
Farming in Norfolk, Ken is renowned as a great stockman and advocate for the breed. The Airfield herd was established in 1980 and over the years Ken has become a familiar figure in the showring with stock, as an international judge and as National Holstein Show Director. In 2009, in its centenary year, Ken was President of Holstein UK, guiding the society in a momentous year. Prior to this Ken was Non-Executive Director for Breed Development at Holstein UK until 2003. Ken has been involved in agriculture and the dairy industry at all levels, including his involvement with various committees including the Norfolk Holstein Club, NFU and Defra. Ken continues to farm alongside his wife Rebecca and sons Robert and Ralph, with the Airfield herd now consisting of 600 milkers farmed on 2,500 acres. Ken was also involved with the Charolais Cattle Society having bred Charolais under the Link prefix which dispersed in 1993.
Robert has been farming in Wiltshire his whole life, and as a teenager learning from Ben Cooper and the Noremead herd, he developed a passion for Black & White cows and pedigrees. Returning home, he convinced his father to progress the current herd which consisted of Shorthorn/Friesian crosses. A great supporter of the breed and depth of cow families, Robert has never lost sight of longevity having bred fifty 100 tonne cows under the Hinton prefix. The Hinton herd over the years has regularly reached the national finals of the Premier Herd competition, and Robert is a keen supporter of the South & Wiltshire club holding every position at one stage or another and is currently Club President. An avid sports fan, Robert particularly enjoys horse racing and now enjoys being able to watch his grandchildren play sport. Robert has two sons, James and Tom who joined the business, Robert keeps a keen interest by feeding calves and attending markets to accompany sale lots.
Steve Hill, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, commented on the announcement of these Lifetime Achievements, ‘As the quality of entries for the lifetime achievement award was exceptional it was very difficult to select just one winner. Ken Proctor and Robert Horton have devoted endless hours of knowledge, time and dedication to the Holstein and British Friesian breeds, they have both been outstanding ambassadors. This dedication has been extended to other organisations including NFU, YFC and Defra. They have also judged herd competitions and shows in the UK and around the world and have passed their passion to future generations.’
Congratulations to both Ken and Robert on being awarded Lifetime Achievement awards for 2025!
