THE deadline for entries for our prestigious Cumbria Farmer Awards 2023, which aim to shine a light on the dedicated work delivered by farmers across the county, is looming.

The annual event is returning for a third year with awards up for grabs across farming’s core sectors such as dairy, livestock, contracting and several special awards recognising the best and brightest farming talent in the county.

There is also recognition for other groups such as family farms, students, new entrants, agri-tech and farm diversificatons.

The 2023 awards are launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with Cumbrian accountants, David Allen, who are also sponsoring the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, the drinks reception, and for the third time, the Young Farmers Club of the Year category.

“As a prominent local business we’ve been heavily involved in the farming and rural community in Cumbria for 26 years. This is where our heart is and it gives us great pleasure to partner with Newsquest to play an even bigger part in the third Cumbria Farmer Awards. They’ve got better each year and we’re expecting them to be amazing this year. It’s exciting that they showcase the very best from across the county, bringing the whole community together to celebrate the excellence of Cumbria.

“We are very proud to be a big part of the 2023 Cumbria Farmer Awards,” said David Allen.

Winners will be celebrated in a glittering awards ceremony on Friday, August 18 at the Greenhill Hotel, near Wigton, when our host will be Val Armstrong, who worked for the BBC for more than 41 years becoming a familiar voice to many over the years, and has this year become only the third woman since 1885 to be given the Freedom of the City of Carlisle.

John Wharton, farmer and livestock manager and auctioneer at Mitchell’s Auction Mart in Cockermouth, will be our compere on the night.

The awards will be judged by a panel of respected industry experts and specialists, headed by Michael Peile, Partner at Cumbrian Accountants, David Allen.

Joy Yates, Newsquest’s Regional Editor for Cumbria, said: “Our Cumbria Farmer Awards are fast becoming a highlight of the farming social calendar. They are a great way to celebrate the drive and creativity that underpins Cumbria’s economic and social life.

“The past 12 months have been a time for growth and expansion in many farm businesses. That is why we want to hear their stories and give businesses, ideas and people the recognition they truly deserve.”

Our sponsors include the National Farmers Union (NFU); Lely Center, Longtown; Red Tractor; the University of Cumbria; Warrendale Wagyu; H&H Group plc; Lloyd Ltd; David Allen Agriculture; Paragon Veterinary Group; Ernest Cook Trust, Carrs Billington, Rickerby Ltd and Nestle.

Last year, more than 227 farmers and industry specialists helped celebrate a massively successful Cumbria Farmer Awards night, an incredible testament to the determination and resilience of the industry.

The 14 categories welcomed entries from across farming’s core sector with judges saying they were impressed with the high quality of the nominations received.

As well as the Livestock Achievement Award, sponsored by Cumbrian Accountants, David Allen, we will also be celebrating the county’s fantastic individuals with our Special Recognition Award, Judges Special Award and Farmer’s Choice Award.

Nomination forms are available using the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/Q1B7Gc7r82