Hugh was keen on farming from the start, leaving school at 15, as he cheerfully admits, with no academic qualifications but everything he would need to succeed in a life dedicated to dairy farming - a huge work ethic, drive, ambition and, above all, an eye for good cattle. This has culminated in his receiving this year's John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award.
Well-known and highly respected throughout the dairy industry, Hugh Kennedy has been a leading Holstein breeder since he started farming at East Carngillan near Tarbolton, South Ayrshire, 54 years ago. From those early days, Hugh developed his Stair and Stairend herds at East and West Cargillan into a leading dairy and breeding enterprise whose bloodlines have won prizes and accolades throughout the UK, Europe, and the United States. Hugh's leading dairy and breeding operation of his Stair and Stairend herds has seen their bloodlines win prizes and plaudits throughout the UK, Europe, and the United States of America.
Starting with Ayrshires inherited from his father David, he made his own decision to convert to the British Friesian breed, one of the first in the area in the late 60s. He traveled to breed sales and dispersals up and down the country, buying pedigree stock which formed the Stair herd in the early 70s and enjoyed great success in production, shows, and herd competitions. He traveled all over Holland and Germany buying in-calf heifers as the quickest and most economical way to build a Holstein herd that by 1993 was large enough to be split into the Stair and Stairend herds. At the age of 79, and following the terrible death of his son Jim a few years ago, the difficult decision was taken to sell the entire Stair herd at H&H Carlisle on 7 December 2022. This was the culmination of years of breeding and love for the breed - one of his greatest life achievements. He is admired and respected by his peers in the dairy industry, and his passion and knowledge of his cows are an inspiration to all who come into contact with him.
As mentioned above, Hugh's leading dairy and breeding operation of his Stair and Stairend herds has seen their bloodlines win prizes and plaudits throughout the UK, Europe, and the United States of America as well as winning his award in. Having supported many shows and competed in the West of Scotland Herd Comps and the Scottish Club Herd Comp many times, he has won several awards over the years; individual, progeny, and the coveted team prize. Earlier this year, Hugh Kennedy was presented with the John Dennison Lifetime Achievement Award. A passionate ambassador for the Holstein breed throughout his working life, Hugh Kennedy was presented with this award at the UK Borderway Dairy Expo in March 2023.