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LAA’s Chris Dodds honoured with award at House of Lords ceremony

Posted on: 17th October, 2024

LAA executive secretary recognised for contribution to British farming, alongside 27 other industry trailblazers.

Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) executive secretary Chris Dodds was recognised as a leader in British farming, during an awards ceremony yesterday (15 October) at the House of Lords, recognising trailblazers in the UK’s food and farming industry.

Organised by the English Panel of the Council for Awards of the Royal Agricultural Societies (CARAS), the ceremony was a true celebration of the innovators, mentors, and leaders who are shaping the future of British agriculture. 

The prestigious event, hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE FRAgS, praised Mr Dodds and 27 other recipients, for their significant contributions to the sector.

The ceremony celebrates the drive, passion, and vision that continues to keep British farming at the forefront of global agriculture, while the Awards are a recognition of outstanding contribution, by an individual, to the understanding, efficiency and well-being of the industry.

Mr Dodds advanced to a Fellowship (FRAgS – Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies), the senior Award of the Council, recognising his continuing significant contribution to agricultural and rural progress in the UK.

As executive secretary of the LAA for over 22 years, Mr Dodds has been a key figure supporting the industry, particularly through the many recent challenges, including through the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as chairing the Livestock Chain Advisory Group. 

He has also spearheaded many training and safety initiatives, helping to ensure a bright and secure future for livestock markets, while supporting a successful livestock production sector in England and Wales.

LAA chairman Alastair Brown comments, “We are delighted that Chris has received this recognition, which is testament to the many hours and dedication he has put into this role over more than two decades, to support the live auction ring as a method of sale and a vital hub within the rural community.

“As well as navigating through the disruptions of a global pandemic and Brexit, he has helped through so many challenges under his watch, including two outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). 

“Throughout all, he has helped keep livestock markets thriving, providing their vital function for the social and economic success of the agricultural communities they serve.”

Rt Hon Lord Taylor offered his congratulations to all of the award recipients during the ceremony, stating, "British farming thrives because of dedicated individuals like today’s award recipients. Their passion and hard work are what make our agricultural sector world-leading. Today is about recognising their incredible achievements and the lasting impact they’ve made, both here and internationally."

The objective of the UK wide CARAS organisation is to recognise, through an Awards scheme, distinguished achievement in agriculture and related land-based industries. More details can be found at https://royalagriculturalsocietiesawards.org/   

Photography Credit: Ruth Downing 

(L-R - National CARAS Chairman Nick Green FRAgS with Chris Dodds FRAgS and Rt Hon Lord Taylor of Holbeach CBE FRAgS)

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