THE former chairman of a dairy firm won a top award at the Dairy Show earlier this week. 

The evening before the Dairy Show (Wenesday, October 2), members of the dairy sector attended the Dairy Industry Dinner in the Wessex Pavilion at the Bath & West Showground. 

During the evening, the winner of the 2024 Dairy Industry Award was given to John Clothier, former chairman of Wyke Farms. 

Wyke Farms is a family-run cheese-making and milk processing business in Bruton, Somerset. John is credited with finding the perfect balance of passion for the industry, innovation, ingenuity, and integrity. After working at the farm fo rover 70 years, John officially retired in June 2020. 

"I am honoured to receive the Dairy Industry Award from the Bath and West Dairy Show," said John.

"This recognition is especially meaningful as it celebrates my 70 years of passionate work in the dairy industry.

“It’s a rare privilege to spend a lifetime doing what you love, surrounded by wonderful people. I’m particularly proud that the fourth generation of Clothiers is now part of our business, alongside our team of 300 talented individuals who help run Wyke Farms.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the committee of judges for deeming me worthy of this prestigious award.”

More than 350 members of the dairy industry attended the dinner on Tuesday (October 1), which supported the Mendip Fundraising Group as the charity of the year. 

The Mendip Fundraising Group was formed two years ago to raise money on behalf of Cancer Research UK in the area. They have organised various events and collections since they started and have so far raised over £16,000.

The keynote speech was delivered by Richard Clothier, managing director of Wyke Farms.

Richard added: “It’s a huge honour for me to be invited to speak at the Dairy Show in what will be 30 years since I first attended the show and also 30 years since the deregulation of the Milk Marketing Board.

"In this milestone year for dairy, it will be great to look back at the changes since deregulation, but also look forward at the global opportunities that are available to UK dairy.”