Top industry honour for Dr Robert Graham

Stirling dairy, beef and sheep breeder Dr Robert Graham, from Airthrey Kerse Farm, is the winner of the 2017 Sir William Young Award.

The award is one of the farming industry’s most prestigious prizes and recognises an outstanding contribution to livestock breeding.

Dr Graham is chairman of Graham’s the Family Dairy, and respected for his knowledge of Scotland’s dairy and farming industry.

He is also internationally recognised for his expertise in livestock management and his skills as a judge of sheep and cattle at all of Britain’s royal shows.

He is a past chairman of both the Murray Grey Beef Cattle Society and the Berrichon du Cher Society and runs an award-winning Limousin herd, which was established in the late 1970s.

Past Highland show chairman Keith Brooke said livestock was Dr Graham’s passion, reflected in the world-class animals he has produced.

He added: “His understanding and insight into livestock breeding is significant and he contributes so much to the livestock sector – he is a true asset and very worthy of this year’s Sir William Young Award.”

Accepting the award, Dr Graham said livestock breeding in the UK had never looked stronger.

“And with Brexit, there could now be opportunities to export more livestock and livestock products around the world,” he added.