Worthy winner receives top NSA award
9th June 2017
The National Sheep Associated (NSA) was delighted to formally present Chris Lloyd of AHDB Beef & Lamb with the highly regarded NSA George Hedley Memorial Award 2016 on Tuesday evening, after he was announced as the winner in January this year.
A number of sheep farmers and industry delegates gathered to see Chris receive his award the evening before NSA North Sheep, held yesterday (Wednesday 7th June) in Tow Law, County Durham.
With a career spanning three decades, Chris was nominated and ultimately won the award for the work he has delivered on behalf of the UK sheep sector. He spent some 16 years at the centre of NSA activity before joining Eblex (now AHDB Beef & Lamb), taking a major role in the establishment and launch of the Sheep Better Returns Programme (BRP) in 2004.
Speaking after receiving his award on Tuesday evening, Chris says: “Getting this award is such a proud moment for me, it is a product of my lifetimes work and I accept it on behalf of a team effort. I’ve made so many memories and friends through the years and as a leave AHDB Beef & Lamb I am confident I am leaving the work I have done in safe hands. We have to do all we can to make sure this industry keeps making contributions to our society, something which is more important than ever given the current challenges we face. I am deeply honoured – thank you.”
Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, feels Chris is more than a worthy winner. He concludes: “NSA presents this award each year to recognise the work of an individual who has gone above and beyond their remit to promote and support the sheep sector. Chris’ input and hard work is clear to see and has left a lasting legacy in the form of a world-leading knowledge exchange programme. He absolutely deserves this award of the sheep industry’s highest accolade. I’ve no doubt his enthusiasm and drive is set to continue and will bring him success long into the future.”
Taking the form on a South Country Cheviot sheep, the award was presented to Chris by NSA President His Grace the Duke of Montrose on Tuesday evening and later in front of a crowd at NSA North Sheep (pictured) by Phil Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, yesterday (Wednesday 7th June).
