A fond farewell was paid to Holstein UK president, John Jamieson of the Dumfriesshire-based Firth herd at the Holstein UK's agm staged at the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel as part of the Holstein UK Celebration event.

Mr Jamieson stood down at the end of his 24-month term with the society electing Andrew Jones of Rossett Holsteins, Wrexham as its new president.

As a child, Andrew took a keen interest in his parents' non-pedigree Friesian herd at Rackery Farm, Rossett, and urged them to become pedigree, with the first progeny being registered under the Rossett prefix in 1982. Since the herd was dispersed two years ago, due to health reasons, Andrew and his wife Jenny are looking forward to meeting members.

As a member of numerous industry committees and councils, Andrew has provided advice and support to make a positive difference to the Holstein breed and the wider industry. Having been a member of the executive BHS committee since 1994, Andrew became vice-chairman in 1997 and was part of the task force that merged the two societies in 1998 to form the Holstein UK and Ireland society.

Andrew then served for four years on the Holstein UK Board. Alongside this, Andrew also served on numerous subcommittees and was involved with acquiring Scottish Milk Records, which went on to become the Cattle Information Service. For more than 30 years Andrew has been an active member of the North Wales and Western Holstein clubs, serving as chairman and sitting on the committees for both clubs.

Michael Smale, outgoing Holstein UK chairman, said: “I want to express my sincere gratitude to John Jamieson and all of his family for giving us so much of their time over the past two years. In his capacity as president, John has attended a huge number of society, club and industry events with his wife Helen. Having John at the helm of the society has been a great pleasure for all of us. Furthermore, I wish Andrew all the best for the year ahead in his new position."

Having completed his second term on the Board of Trustees, Michael Smale stepped down as board chairman and representative of the Far Western region. The South East and Eastern region's representative, Peter Prior, has also stepped down after seven years in office.

Wallace Gregg has taken over as Holstein UK chairman following Michael Smale's departure from the board. Wallace, who represents Northern Ireland, has been on the board since 2018 and his vision and leadership will help drive the society forward.