HYB Announces Patton is Winner of Australian Exchange Competition - Cowsmo

HYB Announces Patton is Winner of Australian Exchange Competition

Holstein Young Breeders (HYB) member, Andrew Patton, is ecstatic to be heading down under this January for a month of dairy learning and development,

Australian Exchange Competition
Andrew Patton

as he wins the HYB Australian Exchange programme.  He has also been shortlisted for Holstein UK President’s Medal following interviews at Agriscot.

HYB is the next generation of Holstein UK and is now one of the most forward thinking organisations in the dairy industry.  It brings young, like-minded dairy enthusiasts together to share knowledge and passion for the industry.

As part of its objectives to lead learning and development, the HYB Australian Exchange competition was launched in September and offers one member the chance to spend a month in Australia and gain first-hand experience of their dairy industry, visiting farms and attending both Youth Camp and the International Dairy Week.  As well as learning, there will be opportunity to see the sights and learn more about the Australian culture.  The trip will be an all-expenses-paid adventure, completely funded by Holstein UK and Holstein Australia – and this year HYB is delighted to announce Andrew as the fortunate winner.

Twenty five year old Andrew Patton of County Down, Northern Ireland, has been farming at his family farm full time for the last 4 years – before this he completed an Agricultural Technology Degree at Queen’s University Belfast.  Farming has been a passion of Andrew’s since he was a young boy; more recently Andrew has developed an interest towards breeding and genomics, as well as showing cattle both locally & nationally.

Andrew explained, “Having been a member of HYB for approximately 20 years, I feel I have gained so much from the organisation and it has played a major role in my life.  I have always wanted to travel and see dairy farming practices in other parts of the world and this trip will be a fantastic opportunity to do so.  I am so delighted to be heading to Australia this January thanks to HYB.  Experiencing a new country and gaining insight into their farming fills me with an enormous amount of excitement.  I am particularly looking forward to seeing Australia’s main bull farms and learning more about their breeding and genetics.”

He adds, “I have a willingness to learn and develop and I feel this trip will significantly improve my dairy management and husbandry skills – as well as improving my clipping and showmanship skills.  I am extremely excited and intrigued to learn from other dairy farmers, to understand their practices and processes and then share my learnings with other HYB members when I return.”

Miriam Howarth, National HYB Coordinator for Holstein UK, commented, “Andrew is a very keen and active member of HYB and has been for the last 20 years.  During this time, he has held various positions within the Northern Ireland Club.  Currently, Andrew is Club Secretary, and has been involved in organising two embryo sales and took a major role in the 2015 and 2016 Club Calf Shows.  As one of the more senior members of the Club Andrew is a very committed and driven member.  He is vital to the Club as he supports and encourages new younger members who, like him, are looking to progress a career within the dairy industry.  Andrew is the ideal candidate for the HYB Australian Exchange and we wish him the very best of luck in January as he sets off on his exploration!”  

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