A Castle Douglas farmer has been awarded a top industry accolade by leading dairy showcase Borderway UK Dairy Expo.
David Yates of Meikle Firthhead Farm received the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the industry.
The presentation took place at his home after Covid restrictions forced the cancellation of the annual Carlisle event.
Born in 1931, he established renowned Holstein herds which his sons Brian and David now run today.
With an international reputation, Mr Yates’ life achievements have been an inspiration to future generations – which now include his own grandchildren.
Glyn Lucas, Harrison and Hetherington’s auctioneer and one of the judges, said: “This year, we had the privilege of presenting the award at David’s home, following a This is Your Life video reminiscing on all his accomplishments.
“On behalf of the Dennison family and our committee, I would just like to say that with so many tremendous nominations, judging and choosing the recipient really is a challenging task.
“David Yates’ career stood out as an outstanding example of exceptional work ethic, astute business decisions and a driving passion to improve the animals he managed.
“He is an inspiration to his family, and to others, and presenting him with the award was a special honour.”
The accolade, established in memory of Cumbrian dairy farmer John Dennison, is given to those who demonstrate the traits of the award’s namesake – ability and sportsmanship.
Mr Yates, 90, has shown and judged shows across the UK and his two sons and grandchildren are involved in the industry.
Tom Lomas, who nominated David, said: “Mr Yates was a perfect candidate for the award because everything it represents is exactly what he is about.
“He has had his own success within the industry but also encouraged the next generation to progress and to take the business forward.”
Mr Yates purchased East Logan at Castle Douglas first in 1971 and then nearby Meikle Firthhead in 1989.
In 1996, he handed the farms to each of his two sons, Brian and David, and they continue to manage them today.
David initially a dairy shorthorn breeder, decided to move into Holsteins and by the mid-1990s had converted 100 per cent to the breed.
Along the way he established strong links with Canada, having first visited in the fifties when he helped export nine bulls across the Atlantic from the Perth Bull Sales.
Mr Yates said: “I’m highly honoured to receive the award. I’ve seen a lot of prominent people win it and never dreamt it could be me.”
