At the 2026 Borderway UK Dairy Expo, Sue Armstrong of the renowned Wolfa Holstein herd in Cumbria was honoured with the prestigious John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. Established in memory of the respected dairy farmer and Holstein breeder John Dennison, the award recognises individuals who serve as role models within the dairy industry. Sue becomes the first woman to receive the honour, reflecting her outstanding contribution to the sector. Her commitment to supporting and educating the next generation will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
Farming at Great Salkeld, Penrith, Sue has dedicated her lifetime to dairy farming and the Holstein breed. After marrying Michael Armstrong in 1986 she joined the Wolfa farming business, and since this time, they have together developed several successful cow families and built a noted and highly regarded pedigree herd. Following the devastating loss of the entire Wolfa herd during the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak, Sue and Michael rebuilt the herd by carefully selecting animals from some of the UK's leading cow families.
Despite further challenges in the years that followed, Sue has continued farming and rebuilt the Wolfa Holstein herd alongside her son Richard. Today this elite herd has around 90 milking cows and 120 followers, all homebred, and the family continue to see success in the show ring.
Alongside her farming achievements, Sue has been a long-standing supporter of Holstein Young Breeders. For over two decades she has served as treasurer of the Border & Lakeland HYB and has played a key role in encouraging and supporting young people entering the dairy industry.
When presenting the award, Glyn Lucas, Dairy Sales Manager at Harrison & Hetherington, commented, "Since the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement award was first established in 2013, the purpose has been to recognise individuals within the UK dairy industry who have earned the admiration and respect of their peers. Sue's passion for dairy farming, her commitment to the Holstein breed and her tireless support for young breeders make her a truly deserving recipient. Her dedication to the industry and to the people within it perfectly reflects the qualities that this award was created to honour."
On receiving the award Sue said: "It is a great honour. John Dennison was a great man for our Holstein breed and a tremendous family man. I am just so delighted. I have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with HYB – it is such a tremendous organisation for young Holstein breeders."
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