Agri-Expo 21: New lifetime accolade awarded

John Gent was announced as the winner of the inauguralDavid Thomlinson Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Borderway Agri Expo event.

Mr Gent farms near Newark, Nottinghamshire, where he runs some 150 Limousin and Limousin cross cattle as well as being an active member of the auctioneer team at Melton Mowbray Market.

Following David Thomlinson’s untimely death after a tragic on-farm incident in 2019, the award is intended to commemorate his life and achievements.

The judging panel, consisting of David Thomlinson’s wife, Sheila Thomlinson, his neighbour and close friend David McRea, and former colleague and friend David Pritchard.

They said of the winner: “With such a considerable number of entries, it was an incredibly difficult job to pick just one winner, however we felt John epitomised what David stood for, showing an outstanding dedication to auctioneering and the livestock industry.

“His nomination outlined his generosity and willingness to help other farmers with any advice, help or reassurance they may need.

“John has a phenomenal amount of experience and knowledge but what stood out to us on the judging panel is that he is always looking to share and pass on his knowledge for the benefit of the industry he is passionate about.”

On receiving his award, John said: “I am totally overwhelmed. This means everything to me. David Thomlinson was an absolute legend.”

This new accolade will become an annual presentation going forward.