Cogent Futures Personal Profiles
Cogent Futures is a pioneering project to involve young breeders in the selection and marketing process of the Cogent young sires of the future. After an overwhelming number of applications, a shortlist of 10 reached the interview process, where the selection panel, Hugh Pocock, Sales & Genetics Manager, Craig Davidson, Sire Analyst and Alison Millar, UK Marketing Manager were able to identify the winning four. "We were looking for young breeders who combined a great knowledge of the breed, with sound commercial sense and most importantly passion," comments Hugh Pocock "I truly believe the four we have selected will get the project off to a flying start."
The successful four are Craig Brough (Carrock herd), Dalston, Cumbria, Neil Roberts (Townhouse herd), Tarporley Cheshire, Adam Watson (Derrydorragh herd), Coleraine, Northern Ireland and Rob Wilcox (Sandpark herd), Wedmore, Somerset.
Adam Watson
Adam, along with his father Willard, manages Derrydorragh Holsteins in Coleraine, Northern Ireland. Elite families such as Elegance, Red Rose, Paradise and Georgette have recently been added to the herd which already contained Roxy, Joy Red, Chanel/Gail and Sallie . Adam has also been an active member of Coleraine Young Farmers club for many years. “Being able to get so closely involved in the selection process for Cogent is a real honour,” comments Adam, “I am really excited about the opportunity of seeing the bull mothers and choosing the matings for the future.”
Craig Brough
Craig has been an active member of Border & Lakeland HYB and Raughton Head YFC for many years. Achievements through HYB include winning the Littlestar Award in 2001 and the linear assessment at the Royal Show 2002 as well as representing the Border & Lakeland club at National Young Breeder Rallies. Craig along with his brother and father are keen to develop and broaden the genetic base of Carrock Holsteins with the global marketplace firmly in mind. Craig is also developing his own herd of pedigree jersey cattle.
Neil Roberts
Neil has been a member of Western HYB since 1998, where he has been stockjudging winner on 3 occasions going on to be 3rd Linear at the Royal Show 1999 and 2nd Reason Giving at the Royal 2006. Most recently he has been appointed joint HYB Co-Ordinator. Neil is also a member of Beeston Young Farmers with a list of achievements including Cheshire Male Member of the Year 2004, YFC Chairman 2003/2005 and Cheshire Football Secretary 2006/2007. Neil manages Townhouse Holsteins, in Cheshire with his father, striving to increase efficiency and profits, he is always looking to investigate diversification opportunities and to continue to learn and progress.
Rob Wilcox
“To be at the forefront of UK breeding and to encourage other young breeders to benefit from it” is the view point of Rob as a member of Cogent Futures. In partnership with his parents, Rob manages their Sandpark Holstein herd in Wedmore Somerset where he is also an active member of Wedmore YFC and has been involved with stockjudging, & stockmans competitions. Rob is extremely passionate about the breed and spends many hours researching cow families and bull proofs.