Show organiser presented with lifetime achievement award for service to Holstein breed

Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award is the ultimate accolade for those who provide outstanding service to the Holstein breed
Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award is the ultimate accolade for those who provide outstanding service to the Holstein breed

Dick Stapleton has been honoured this year’s Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award for providing the UK with top Holstein cattle shows with welfare at the heart of them all.

Presented by the Holstein UK trustees, the award pinpoints an individual who has provided outstanding service to the Holstein breed.

The award is presented to a farmer, herdsman or any other person involved with Holstein Friesian breed.

The 2017 winner is an individual who has been incremental to shows and sales throughout his career – spending many summers away from home during show season, setting up, manning, and managing events.

Dick Stapleton of Market Drayton, Shropshire has thus been honoured this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Holstein UK said Mr Stapleton is 'the backbone' of setting up Holstein shows at a national and regional level – he is also an honorary life member of the Western Holstein Club.

Holstein UK said: "From saw dust to sashes he ensures all is in place for great events and with cattle welfare at the heart of every show design and build, Dick is the man who brings the infrastructural coordination together to ensure events run smoothly, efficiently, and safely."

'Promote the breed'

To receive this award the nominee must have at least 20 years’ service to the breed.

Nominator, John Edge, said: “Dick’s endless enthusiasm for the black and white breed has been an integral part of his life.

“From his very early days working in Lincolnshire at Kesteven Agricultural College, progressing to Messrs Newtown at Saltby, through semen seller at CBS, and ultimately a Field Development Officer with Holstein UK, he has never ceased to promote the breed to anyone who would listen.

“His FDO work on the grading up scheme provided an ideal opportunity for him to dispense his knowledge to the younger generation.

“Throughout his life long association with the breed Dick has always been approachable and helpful, and he is a real credit to our industry.”

Influential

Dick’s long involvement with Breed Society Shows started at the North Western Dairy Show at Bingley Hall.

There, he took control of all infrastructure issues, and continues to the present day, where his expertise is relied upon at the UK Dairy Day in Telford and the All-Breed Calf Show at Malvern.

In his role as Field Officer for Holstein UK, Dick organised whole herd grade ups, encouraged breeders to show for the first time and was influential in helping commercial breeders become pedigree.

Graham Dimelow, Chairman of the Western Holstein Club adds: “In recent years, during my Chairmanship of the Western Holstein Club, Dick has been present and always interested in the welfare of the club and its members.

“I have always felt that when I need advice, Dick is someone that I can naturally turn to. I cannot think of a more obviously deserving recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award as Dick has indeed devoted his life to the breed and the Society.”

Dick Stapleton Award

Holstein UK said Dick’s encouragement of the younger generation has 'always shone through'.

Therefore, every year the Dick Stapleton Award is presented to a Holstein Young Breeder (HYB) member for their commitment, passion, and involvement towards their club.

Andrew Birkle, Chairman of Holstein UK concludes: “In recognition of Dick’s contribution to the breed, Holstein UK is extremely thrilled to present him with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Dick’s drive, determination and commitment to Holstein cattle and the Society has been remarkable and he really is a shining example to aspiring members and breeders.

“As a characteristically modest man who is always willing to help and share knowledge, Holstein UK would like to congratulate and applaud his success.”