Dairy industry honoured Derek Biss at West Country dinner

The annual Dairy Industry Dinner took place at the Royal Bath and West Showground on the evening before the Dairy Show. More than 320 guests attended the event, which focused on the importance of dairy farming in the West Country and included the presentation of the Dairy Industry Award.

Baroness Minette Batters, the guest speaker, discussed dairy markets in Britain and abroad. Her remarks covered political issues, the question of fair returns for farmers and the contribution of dairy products to the national diet.

She also presented findings from the UK Farming Profitability Review. Baroness Batters called for closer co-operation between the government and agricultural businesses, saying: “The only way farming systems are working well across the world is when they are working in partnership with government.”

The evening’s award went to Derek Biss, an auctioneer and long-standing figure in the dairy sector. David Cotton, chairman of the Dairy Show and a Somerset farmer, announced the honour. Biss was raised on a Somerset farm and joined Greenslade Taylor Hunt as a partner when he was 27.

Cotton said Biss had spent more than 40 years in the industry and continued to auction livestock each week at Sedgemoor. He described Biss as an ambassador and leader whose work had earned the confidence and respect of fellow industry members. Cotton also referred to Biss’s involvement with the Young Farmers’ Clubs and the South West Holstein Club.

The dinner raised funds for the West Country Dairy Awards, a grant-making charity that has supported students on dairy-related courses for more than 100 years. Richard Kallway, representing the organisation, said financial assistance was available to applicants who could demonstrate commitment and the ability to add value to the industry. Eligible students must live in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset or Somerset, and those taking relevant courses were encouraged to apply.