The winner of the renowned and prestigious Holstein UK President’s Medal has been announced at the Semex International Dairy Conference during the famous Burn’s Supper. Holstein UK President Mark Logan from Northern Ireland announced Jodie Nutsford from Western HYB as the winner of the 2025 President’s
Medal Award.

Jodie was presented with the President’s Medal as well as the Sue Cope Memorial Trophy and will have the chance to attend the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto later this year courtesy of Semex UK who have been principal sponsors of Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) for many years now.

Holstein UK President, Mark Logan was joined by Janette Mathie, Head of CIS Field Services and Rodger Mather, Semex UK representative to judge this competition.

The final three candidates representing their clubs were:
Samuel Blease, 27, Lancashire HYB
Lauren Gilbert, 27, Northern Ireland HYB
Jodie Nutsford, 25, Western HYB

The application process consisted of a nomination from their club outlining the members’ contribution to the breed, HYB and the dairy industry, as well as an essay entitled – “Data-driven decision making on farm leads to more productivity, better animal welfare, improved sustainability, and greater profitability”.

Commenting on the judging of this award, Mark Logan said:
‘It has been a privilege to be involved in judging the President’s Medal. All the candidates were exceptional, not only in their commitment to HYB and the dairy industry in general but especially in their willingness to give back to the agricultural community at large. They all displayed tremendous ability and passion for their careers and working with the Holstein breed. It was no easy task to select the final three and then choose the overall winner. I was extremely impressed by all the nominees and look forward to watching their careers develop. Dare I say that as with judging an outstanding class of dairy cows, we were looking for that overall perfect balance, and in Jodie I think we have found that. Her knowledge of the Holstein breed, her commitment to the industry in her role as a farm vet and her support for younger HYB and YFC members make her a very worthy winner of this prestigious award.’

Lizzie Yates, National HYB Coordinator
‘It has been a fantastic opportunity for the three finalists to attend the Semex International Dairy Conference and learn from a variety of respected industry voices. It is also an excellent platform to present this prestigious award and I would like to express my gratitude to Semex UK for being principal sponsor of HYB and their continued support of the President’s Medal Award. Congratulations to the three finalists, reaching this stage is an outstanding achievement. I would also like to extend my thanks to the three judges for giving up their time to judge this award.’

Jodie Nutsford, Western, Riverdane Holsteins
Jodie’s love for Holsteins began in early childhood, growing up on the family dairy farm in Cheshire. From the age of four years old, Jodie has been involved in showing and HYB, and since that time she has progressed her HYB career. Growing up surrounded by animals and farm life has deeply shaped Jodie’s passion, ultimately guiding her toward a career in veterinary medicine. In 2024, she graduated as a qualified vet and joined Nantwich Farm Vets, where she now cares for a large number of dairy clients
across Cheshire.

Despite her busy professional schedule, Jodie remains closely involved with the family business, helping every day with management of the dairy herd and show team. No stranger to the showring, Jodie has competed at the All Breeds All Britain Calf Show for numerous years and has attended many Weekend Rallies, and this year she represented Holstein UK at the Young Breeders School in Belgium.

Jodie has made a remarkable impact on both the Holstein breed and the Western HYB community. Over the years, she has generously mentored countless HYB members, helping them develop the essential skills of showmanship, stock judging, and clipping. Her hands-on support has opened doors for young enthusiasts to gain confidence and experience in the show ring.