Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) executive secretary Chris Dodds has been presented with the prestigious Royal Smithfield Club Bicentary Trophy in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the meat and livestock industry.
The Royal Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy was awarded to Chris Dodds at the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) annual conference in Butchers’ Hall. Dodds is executive secretary of the LAA, which he joined in 2002. He has served as president of the European Trade Association for Livestock Markets and, says the Royal Smithfield Club, has “acted tirelessly on behalf of the industry” working through “crises” that have affected the meat and livestock industry such as Covid-19, foot and mouth and avian influenza.
AIMS Chairman, John Thorley OBE, read out the citation and presented the trophy to Dodds in front of around 100 industry colleagues. He said: “Chris has played an active part in a number of key cattle and sheep industry stakeholder groups across trade, supply chain, animal health and welfare, livestock traceability and farm assurance sectors.
“In terms of the next generation, he has contributed to the development of courses in the field of education and training. He has founded, and chairs, the UK Livestock Brexit Group (now the Livestock Chain Advisory Group - LCAG), calling together 25 trade organisations, along with Defra, levy board and government representatives across the devolved nations.”
In keeping with tradition, the Smithfield Bicentenary Trophy is “sprung” on the recipient without their prior knowledge. Chris Dodds is the 23rd recipient of the annual award, which includes the presentation of the Club’s Armada Shield.
“I take great pride in representing the LAA and the wider British meat and livestock industry, and am truly grateful to have my work and efforts recognised in this way.”
Chris Dodds, LAA executive secretary
On being awarded the Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy, Dodds said: “I am extremely honoured to have been selected to receive this trophy, following in the footsteps of such respected peers across the sector, including of course some sharing this occasion during the presentation.
“I take great pride in representing the LAA and the wider British meat and livestock industry, and am truly grateful to have my work and efforts recognised in this way. I hope it reflects our commitment at the LAA, and across those members of The Royal Smithfield Club, to support a vibrant and resilient UK livestock sector.”
In making the announcement, John Thorley said: “It is this outstanding, wide-reaching and lifelong commitment to the British meat and livestock industry that makes Chris a worthy winner of this significant award.”
