Over 320 guests were welcomed to this year’s Dairy Industry Dinner, held at the Royal Bath and West showground on the eve of the Dairy Show.

Guest speaker Baroness Minette Batters shared insights on the markets at home and abroad, touching on politics, fair pricing and the important role the industry plays in the nation’s diet.

Presenting key points from the UK Farming Profitability Review, she shared her passion for improved collaboration between the Government and industry. “The only way farming systems are working well across the world is when they are working in partnership with government,” she said.

Dairy Industry Award

Dairy Show Chairman and Somerset farmer, David Cotton, presented the Dairy Industry Award to well-known local auctioneer and industry ambassador, Derek Biss.

Derek has spent a lifetime in agriculture. From his Somerset farming roots he was made a partner at Greenslade Taylor Hunt at just 27 years old.

“Derek is a true ambassador for the industry and a dedicated and stand out leader,” said Mr Cotton. “He has more than four decades of experience – earning the trust, loyalty and respect of his peers. A true part of the West Country dairy scene, he continues to auction each week at Sedgemoor, bringing the same enthusiasm, knowledge and good humour that have marked his career from the outset. His support of organisations like the Young Farmers’ Clubs and South West Holstein Club illustrate how he has been, and continues to be, an excellent advocate for the industry.”

Fundraising for a good cause

The dinner also raised funds for the West Country Dairy Awards, a grant-making charity that has supported students studying dairy-related courses for over 100 years. Richard Kallway from the West Country Dairy Awards explained: “Funds are available to those who can prove their commitment and show aptitude to ‘add value’ to the industry, and who live across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset. We encourage anyone studying a relevant course to apply.”