Both of Wales' farming unions are searching for a very special dairy farm worker ahead of the annual Welsh Dairy Show in October.

NFU Cymru wants to find the 10th winner of the NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual Dairy Stockperson of the Year, while the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is once again looking to recognise an individual with its FUW Outstanding Service to the Welsh Dairy Industry award.

Winners of both awards will be announced at this year’s Welsh Dairy Show at the United Counties Showground, Carmarthen, on Tuesday, 24th October.

The NFU award – which has the earlier deadline date – seeks to champion dedicated, committed and enthusiastic dairy stock managers from across Wales. This year’s winner will receive £500 and a Welsh slate engraved cheese board.

Jonathan Wilkinson, NFU Cymru Dairy Board Chairman 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.”

The closing date for entries is Monday, 25th September. For more information visit the NFU Cymru website where you can download an application form. Alternatively, you can email clare.williams@nfu.org.uk or call the NFU Cymru office on 01982 554200.

In respect of the FUW award, Carmarthen county executive officer David Waters said: “There are a number of very worthy individuals in Wales who deserve this award and looking back we have had some fantastic nominations and winners. So if you know of a person in Wales who has made a great contribution towards the development of the dairy industry and has become an integral part of it in Wales, then why not nominate them for this prestigious award?”

Nominations should be in the form of a letter or citation giving full details of the work and achievements of the nominee and need to be emailed to the FUW Carmarthen office ; carmarthen@fuw.org.uk or sent by post to FUW Carmarthen, Suite 10, Ty Myrddin, Old Station Road, Carmarthen, SA31 1LS by close of play , Friday, 6 October 2023.