Jodie Nutsford, 25, is a shining example of the next generation of dairy professionals combining veterinary expertise, showing success, and a lifelong commitment to the Holstein breed.

Her journey is closely linked with Harrison & Hetherington’s Borderway Dairy Expo, an event she has supported since its very first show in 2012.

Raised on her family’s Riverdane Holsteins farm in Cheshire, Jodie has been involved in dairy farming from an early age. Today, the family runs a herd of approximately 150 pedigree Holsteins, milked through two robots and a parlour system, supported by a dedicated team of staff.

Despite qualifying as a veterinary surgeon in 2024 and now working full-time for Nantwich Farm Vets, Jodie helps out daily with herd management, youngstock, and the show team.

“I still work on the farm every day,” Jodie explains. “Before work, it’s all hands-on-deck, whatever needs doing. Dairy farming isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life.”

Jodie has a long-standing commitment to Borderway Dairy Expo having attended every year since the inaugural event, she describes it as one of the most important fixtures in the dairy calendar and over the years, the family’s success at Expo has been exceptional, including:

• Champion Cow titles on two occasions
• A standout year winning Champion Holstein and Champion Red & White

While Jodie prefers to stay in the background, her contribution to preparation, stockmanship and breeding decisions is significant. The family typically brings between five and ten Holsteins to Expo, this she says would be impossible without strong teamwork.

“It’s a huge commitment, but we’re incredibly lucky to have such tremendous support from our staff. You simply couldn’t do it without them.”

For Jodie, events like Borderway Dairy Expo are about far more than rosettes.

“These events are key to our future as they give us a marketing platform for our genetics on both a national and international scale. The international presence at Expo is huge, and it’s also a vital chance to catch up with people from across the industry.”

Her passion for showing has taken her across the world, competing and learning internationally in Italy, Belgium and the USA, experiences she believes are invaluable for young people entering the industry.

In January 2026, Jodie’s contribution to the breed was recognised when she was awarded the Holstein UK President’s Medal at the Semex International Dairy Conference.

Glyn Lucas of Harrison & Hetherington says she is a role model for the future:

“It is fantastic to see someone like Jodie go from strength to strength. She represents exactly what the future of our industry looks like: passionate, progressive, highly knowledgeable, and willing to give back. Seeing individuals develop through events such as Borderway Dairy Expo is incredibly rewarding.”

Jodie’s journey highlights the importance of platforms like Borderway Dairy Expo in supporting, inspiring and showcasing the next generation of dairy professionals – proving that with the right opportunities, mentorship and passion, the future of the industry is in very safe hands.