European Young Breeders School Team Announced

Holstein UK are delighted to announce the names of the six passionate and talented Holstein Young Breeders who have been selected to represent the UK at the European Young Breeders School (EYBS) in Battice, Belgium this summer.

EYBS will take place from 31^st August until 4^th September and the event attracts around 120 young breeders from up to 25 different countries. Established in 1999, the school aims to educate dairy enthusiasts aged between 13 to 25 years old.

The team is made up of:

• Hattie Jackson (Lancashire)
• Izzy Smith (Shropshire)
• Jack Wilson (Border & Lakeland)
• Jo Langley (South West)
• Mark Bryson (Scotland)
• Tom McKnight (Northern Ireland)

During the first part of the school, the young breeders will take part in theoretical courses and workshops focused on preparing their calves for shows which will include washing, feeding, clipping, stock judging and showmanship. Following the training, two days are spent competing, putting into practice their stock judging and showmanship skills. Throughout the five days, emphasis is placed on team spirit and the participation of each member is evaluated throughout each stage of animal husbandry and preparation. 

After participation in EYBS, many of the young breeders go on to compete on an international stage and work for renowned farms. According to its organisers, EYBS is the best springboard to reach the top in the world of breeding and a great meeting place for future breeders. In three words, it is best described as providing learning, exchange and conviviality. 

Naomi Lewis, National HYB Coordinator for Holstein UK, comments, “It is wonderful to be able to take a team of HYB members to the EYBS once again, especially as this will be our first international trip since 2020. It really is a fantastic opportunity for the young breeders to develop their skills whilst also competing against other individuals from across the world. The team is made up of six inspiring ambassadors for the British dairy industry and we wish them the very best of luck during their time in Belgium.”

We look forward to seeing how the team get on! You can keep up-to-date with the team on our Holstein Young Breeders Facebook and Twitter pages (@HolsteinUK).