Former Penrith livestock mart manager Chris Dodds, of Cobblethwaite, Wreay, has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the British meat and livestock industry.
Chris — who has been executive secretary of the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) for more than 20 years, having earlier spent about eight years with former Penrith mart operator PF&K — has received the Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy. The presentation was made at the AIMS (Association of Independent Meat Suppliers) annual conference held at Butchers Hall, London.
AIMS chairman John Thorley read out the citation and duly presented the trophy to a delighted Chris in front of around 100 industry colleagues. In keeping with tradition, the honour was “sprung” on him without his prior knowledge.
Chris worked for a number of prominent livestock markets in southern Scotland and Cumbria during the 1980s and 90s and joined the LAA during 2002. He has also served as president of the European Trade Association for Livestock Markets.
He has acted tirelessly on behalf of the industry, helping to ensure live sales continued during Covid-related restrictions. He has also been involved with a number of other industry crises, such as foot and mouth disease outbreaks and avian influenza.
His service to the farming industry has gone beyond the realm of livestock marts. “Chris has played an active part in a number of key cattle and sheep industry stakeholder groups across trade, supply chain, animal health and welfare, livestock traceability and farm assurance sectors,” read the citation.
“In terms of the next generation, he has contributed to the development of courses in the field of education and training. He has founded, and chairs, the UK Livestock Brexit Group (now the Livestock Chain Advisory Group — LCAG), calling together 25 trade organisations, along with Defra, levy board and government representatives across the devolved nations.”
Chris said: “I take great pride in representing the LAA and the wider British meat and livestock industry and am truly grateful to have my work and efforts recognised in this way. I hope it reflects our commitment at the LAA, and across those members of the Royal Smithfield Club, to support a vibrant and resilient UK livestock sector.”
