Congratulations are in order for two dairy farmers in the South West who have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to the industry.
Cookernup’s Ray Blackburn representing Burnvale Holsteins, was awarded Honorary Federal Life Membership to Holstein Australia in recognition of his contribution to the association.
Ray Blackburn has been a member for more than 30 years and has contributed to every level of the association. This includes three years as federal president, seven years on the classification committee, four on the All-Australian Selection Committee and 17 as a WA federal delegate.
Ray has represented Holstein Australia nationally and internationally. Highlights include Holstein Australia hosting the World Holstein Friesian Conference in Sydney in 2000 and helping develop the China export heifer trade.
A judge at many top shows throughout Australia, he has a reputation for always being willing to share his knowledge of cattle breeding with younger breeders through calf shows, judging schools and the WA College of Agriculture in Harvey.
Boyanup’s Ray Kitchen representing Carenda Holsteins was also honoured by receiving Holstein Australia’s Distinguished Service Award.
Ray Kitchen has spent tireless hours as an organiser and supporting vendor of the enormously successful annual WA bull sale, with the Carenda bulls regularly achieving the top price on the day.
Exhibiting at the Royal Perth Show, Busselton, Brunswick and Harvey shows, Ray also mentors and encourages young dairy farmers.
Ray was also recognised for his efforts to promote the Carenda herd in the show ring and commercially, with the herd widely recognised as one of the best performing in terms of genetic merit.
The herd regularly ranks in the Australia’s top 10 based on Balanced Performance Index and several Carenda bred young bulls have been purchased by semen companies and sold widely to dairy farmers.
In announcing the award, Holstein Australia’s president David Johnston said the organisation was nothing without the contribution of its members.
“Ray Kitchen is a well-deserving recipient of the award, having held positions at sub-branch, state and federal levels of Holstein Australia for more than 20 years,” Mr Johnston said.
“Ray is a willing contributor of herd performance data, recognising the contribution it makes to Australia’s independent genetic evaluation program.
“He is known for his independent thinking and always putting the best interests of the Association and breed first.”
