Calf Rearer of the Year

The annual competition aims to promote and raise awareness of best practice among calf rearers, particularly the younger generation of dairy and beef producers who are typically tasked with looking after calves and youngstock on farm. And the winner will scoop the top prize of £250. Three shortlisted finalists will also win free tickets for the National Youngstock Conference, including an overnight stay and dinner hosted by Wynnstay the evening before.

Anyone responsible for working with youngstock on dairy or beef units can enter, or be nominated for the award by an employer, colleague or peer, a vet, farm consultant or supplier. Entry is simple. There’s a short questionnaire and entrants must state, in just 100 words or less, why they, or the person they are putting forward for the award, should be shortlisted. Entrants can also submit a short five-minute video of themselves and their calf-rearing system, if they wish, but it’s not obligatory.

“We decided to set up the award to recognise and reward people working in calf-rearing enterprises – both beef and dairy,” says Wynnstay’s calf and youngstock manager Millie Hendy. “These youngstock specialists can often be overlooked on farm, but they are integral to the continued success of the business. Strong, healthy and well-grown calves and youngstock are key to efficient meat and milk production. So it’s vital that those looking after the calves get them off to the best start.

Rewarding excellence
 
“It requires skill, dedication and hard work. Patience and close attention to detail are important,” she adds. “It’s not a job to be rushed if it’s to be done well. Excellent organisational and management skills are needed, and the commitment to draw up and follow strict protocols are key to calf-rearing success.”
 
CowManagement’s National Youngstock Conference, now in its third year, provides the perfect arena to present the award and the team behind the one-day event, including vet Tim Potter and CowManagement’s editor Rachael Porter, will also help to judge competition entrants, alongside independent consultant vet Owen Atkinson.
 
The award is open now for entries.

Closing date is May 31, 2024.

Good luck!