Nominations now open for the 2026 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award
Borderway UK Dairy Expo has opened nominations for the 2026 John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, inviting the UK dairy industry to put forward those whose careers and commitment have helped progress and shape the sector in recent times.
Since its inception 14 years ago, the presentation of this award has become an integral part of UK Dairy Expo, with many of the UK’s leading lights within the dairy industry having been recognised.
Organisers Harrison & Hetherington and the Dennison family will present the award in memory of the late John Dennison of the Denmire Herd during the 2026 UK Dairy Expo at Borderway Mart, Carlisle, on Saturday 14th March 2026. Nominations should be submitted by sending a brief resume to the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, c/o Glyn Lucas, Harrison & Hetherington Ltd., Borderway Mart, Rosehill, Carlisle CA1 2RS, or by email to [email protected]. The closing date for all nominations is Friday 6th February 2026.
Dairy Expo Event Organiser, Glyn Lucas said: “One of the great privileges of this award is seeing just how many people have quietly given a lifetime of service to the dairy industry. So many make a huge difference without ever seeking recognition. The John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award is about shining a light on those individuals, and every year the nominations remind us of the depth of talent and commitment across UK dairying.”
John Dennison farmed at Scales Farm in Ulverston and his passion for breeding left an indelible mark on the dairy industry, but he was equally committed to nurturing the next generation of farmers. This award was inaugurated to honour individuals who embody the exceptional qualities of ability, sportsmanship and integrity exemplified by John Dennison during his noted dairy farming career and life.
At the 2025 Borderway UK Dairy Expo, the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to John Lomax of Chorlton Holsteins, Staffordshire.
Previous winners of the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award are as follows:
2024 Geoff Bone, Holstein UK Classifier
2023 Hugh Kennedy, Ayrshire dairy farmer
2022 Harry Hodgson, Wormanby Farm, Burgh by Sands, Carlisle
2021 David Yates, Meikle Firthhead Farm, Castle Douglas
2020 Blaise Tomlinson, Sandyford herd, Loughborough
2019 Bill Nadin, Sterndale Holstein herd
2018 Jimmy Wilson, Tregibby Herd, Cardigan
2017 Mark Nutsford, Riverdane Herd
2016 Alister Laird, Blyth Bridge
2015 Sam McCormick, Hilltara Herd
2014 Mr John Gribbon
2013 Mike Miller, Shanael Holsteins
UK Borderway Dairy Expo regularly attracts around 7,000 visitors and reaches a global audience via livestream. The event acts as a shop window for breeders and producers and brings together some of the UK’s best quality dairy cattle.
For further information on the event and the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award, visit: www.borderwaydairyexpo.uk.