Hereford breeder wins Idris Davies Memorial Award

Hereford breeder George Thorne from Studdolph Hall, Steynton, Milford Haven, is the winner of the Idris Davies Memorial Award for 2013, announced at the Pembrokeshire County Show.

George was nominated for the award by the Dyfed Hereford Breeders. Throughout his life he has made an enormous contribution to agriculture in Pembrokeshire especially within the beef sector, breeding Hereford cattle of the highest standard. Being an enthusiastic breeder he often throws open his farm gates to publicise the merits of the thrifty Hereford cattle for beef production bringing visitors and potential buyers to Pembrokeshire from all over the world.

Mr Thorne’s aim is to breed and sell good quality bulls and females to Pembrokeshire farmers and beyond and a few which are not kept for breeding are sold for the beef trade locally and to Waitrose. Throughout his life he has supported all the local Pembrokeshire shows which takes up a tremendous amount of time and effort. He has received every award possible, the highlight was winning the Interbreed Beef Award at the 2008 and 2011 Pembrokeshire County Show. His latest achievement was Reserve Supreme Champion at the 2013 Royal Welsh Show.

He is widely acclaimed as a local and national judge and although he is among the most modest of farmers has represented Welsh breeders on the Hereford Cattle Society Council for over 30 years and was elected Breed President in 2003 which was a great honour.

George is a founder member of the Dyfed Hereford Breeders and held all offices, he trains young members to judge, select and show animals. He was very involved with Pembrokeshire College and students visited Studdolph Hall for practical experiences for many years. He has always been a faithful supporter of the YFC movement and is a past president and chairman of Tiers Cross YFC and the County Federation.

He is an NFU Branch chairman. He serves on the executive Committee of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society and also on the Royal Welsh Pembrokeshire Advisory Committee and a former treasurer and warden of Steynton Church where he attends regularly.

Last year as President of the Pembrokeshire County Show he was responsible for organising and getting sponsorship for the Hereford Celebration Show held at the show. This event brought exhibitors from many parts of the UK to Pembrokeshire.