Bill Almond being presented with the Golden Book Award by World President, Bruce Holmquist.

Simmental Australia’s President, Mr Bill Almond, was awarded the prestigious Golden Book Award by Mr Bruce Holmquist, President of the World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation during the World Simmental Congress in the UK in June.

Later, Mr Almond was elected as Vice President of the World Federation.

His award was in recognition by the World Federation of his distinguished membership of the Australian Simmental Association of which he became a founding member in 1972.

He established the Kensileyre Simmental stud in 1972, now located in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. His stud has for many years been one of the largest in New South Wales, breeding many show champions and with the stud’s bloodlines appearing throughout the breed in Australia.

From the late 1970s Bill has held numerous official positions at Federal, State and Regional Council levels. These have included NSW State President, Federal Chairman of Youth Development, Regional Affairs and National Sale committees.

Bill is currently serving his third year as President of the Association and is Chairman of the 2010 Australian World Simmental Congress Planning Committee.

He is recognised as one of the country’s leading cattle judges and has judged Simmentals and other breeds at many Royal and regional shows throughout Australia and in New Zealand.

He became a Founder Life Member of the World Simmental Federation when it was formed in 1981.

World President, Bruce Holmquist cited Bill’s extensive service to the Simmental breed and the Australian Association as outstanding.

During the Simmental Congress in the UK, attended by 25 Australian Simmental breeders, a special award was also presented to Peter Speers, former Chief Executive Officer of Simmental Australia in recognition of his extensive service to Simmentals worldwide.

The World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation’s new Executive, Kristýna Skopalová (Secretary General), Bruce Holmquist, (President), Josef Kucera, (Vice President), Bill Almond, (Vice President)

Simmental Australia delegates doing a fantastic job representing the Australian Association and promoting the 2010 World Simmental Congress