Scottish farmer wins Holstein lifetime achievement award

Jack Brewster has dedicated eighty years of his life to the British dairy industry
Jack Brewster has dedicated eighty years of his life to the British dairy industry

A Scottish farmer has been announced as the winner of Holstein UK's Lifetime of Achievement Award for his dedication to the Holstein Friesian breed.

Jack Brewster of the award winning Boclair Herd near Glasgow has been honoured this year's prestigious award.

The award recognises the service of a farmer, herdsman or any other person involved with breed for at least 20 years.

It is seen as the ultimate accolade for an individual who has provided outstanding service to the breed and made a remarkable contribution to the Holstein UK society.

Jack started farming at the age of 13, exempt from National Service during World War 2 in order to help feed the nation.

For eighty years he has dedicated his life to the dairy industry. He starting his farming life in the era of hard physical labour with no electricity or tractors.

A past president of the Monkland branch of the Young Farmers’ Club, his earliest successes with the Boclair herd was winning the Supreme Friesian Championship for Inspection and Production at the Glasgow Dairy Show in 1963.

Jack was heavily involved in the formation of the Scottish Dairy Cattle Association in 1978, and appointed Chairman for the first two years from its inception.

He has served for eight years on the Holstein Friesian Society Show and Sale Committee, the Breed Development Committee for six years and acted as Breed Development Non-Executive Director

In 1990 Jack was appointed as president of the Holstein Friesian Society of Great Britain and Ireland. He has also served as Chairman of the local and area branch of the NFU and, as a director of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board.

His extensive knowledge of the breed has seen Jack judge cattle internationally, including the Royal Show, the Royal Highland Show and the Royal Norfolk Show.

The prestigious Boclair Herd has seen many visitors to the farm. The Brewster family have hosted numerous open days including 1,000 farmers visiting in 1985 for the opening of the new farm complex.

More recently they hosted the Premier Herd Open Day following their award presentation at UK Dairy Day 2017.

They have also been awarded Master Breeder Status twice - in 2005 and 2016 and celebrated great achievements in the Scottish Herds competition.

Out of 21 consecutive years competing, the farm has won 12 times and was placed reserve 8 times.

Jack said he is 'extremely proud' to win the Holstein UK Lifetime Achievement Award: "It all started when my father gave me a Friesian calf at the age of thirteen and ever since I have been focused on breeding good cows.

"I would like to say how much the breed has improved in my lifetime and this is a great credit to all of the members of the Holstein Society.

"I would also like to thank the Scottish Holstein Club for nominating me. Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 93rd birthday and receiving this award is an excellent present.”

Michael Smale, Chairman of Holstein UK said it is an honour to recognise the commitment Jack Brewster has made to the society and breed over his lifetime.

"It is with great pride that the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to Jack," Mr Smale said.

"His passion, experience and knowledge of the breed is outstanding and this is seen first-hand in the performance of the Boclair herd.”