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.

We also introduced two new awards last year, Farming Family Business of the Year and Women in Agriculture.

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.

David said: “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.”

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

Val said she was “delighted” to be asked to host the event which is a real celebration and a wonderful showcase for rural Cumbria.

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

Nominations are open for this year’s awards which celebrate those dedicated professionals of the Cumbrian farming industry who help feed the nation and grow the local economy.

Sponsors include the National Farmers Union (NFU) - Farming Champion; Lely Center, Longtown - Against All Odds; Red Tractor - Judges Special Award; the University of Cumbria- Land & Environmental ; Warrendale Wagyu - Women In Agriculture; H&H Group plc - Livestock Farmer of the Year; Lloyd Ltd; - Diversification of the Year; David Allen Agriculture - Young Farmers Club of the Year; Paragon Veterinary Group - Farming Family Business; Ernest Cook Trust - Agricultural Student or Rural Skills Award; Carrs Billington - Dairy Farmer of the Year and Contractor of the Year; Davidson & Robertson - Supplier of the Year; Rickerby Ltd - Special Recognition Award; Nestle - Farmer's Choice Award; and GSC Grays - Tenant Farmer of the Year.

This year we are holding a live auction hosted by our compere John Wharton, with proceeds going to our nominated charities, Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

FCN Senior Partnerships Manager Georgina Lamb said: “The whole team at FCN are delighted to have been chosen as a nominated charity once again at the awards. This wonderful occasion allows us not only to raise vital funds to support the work we do, but also raise awareness and highlight the ways in which FCN can help the whole agricultural sector should they need us.”

GNAAS Fundraising Lead, Hannah Powell said: “Thank you so much for choosing us as one of your charities. We have some incredible supporters that are farmers doing wonderful things”

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

Michael said: “Despite the challenging times facing farming we are proud to be able to help celebrate those behind the businesses.”

Two new judges for this year are Sue Colling, Marketing Manager for Lloyd Ltd, one of our sponsors, who said “Seeing the enthusiasm for the 2022 CN Farmer Awards and the pride the nominees and winners had for being recognised was particularly special, so it is a real privilege to be involved in the process as a judge, getting first-hand insights into the dedication and commitment of our local farming community. I’m excited to meet everyone and to learn more about the impressive work going on across the agricultural sector in our region.”

Jamie Brownrigg of Warrendale Wagyu, one of our sponsors said: “After Being involved with CFA for the first time in 2022 it’s an absolute privilege to be asked to sit on the judging panel and also get the chance to meet some of Cumbria’s finest farmers”

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.”

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 David Allen, the event will also be celebrating the county’s fantastic individuals with our Special Recognition Award, Judges Special Award and Farmer’s Choice Award.

“This will be a real celebration of all our unsung farming heroes and will provide a wonderful showcase for rural Cumbria,” said Maureen Hodges, farming and rural affairs editor.

“This is the best monument to the county’s dynamic farmers to highlight the spirit of the Cumbrian countryside as it battles with the changes it is facing.”

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