THE third Cumbria Farmer Awards has received widespread praise from farmers, industry professionals and local dignitaries.
Hailed as one of the best nights out in the county’s farming calendar, the awards showcased some of the county’s most outstanding food producers and landscape custodians. And alongside traditional farming sectors, such as dairy, beef, sheep and machinery, the awards also recognised students, agricultural businesses, and women in agriculture.
Organised by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with Cumbrian accountants, David Allen, around 223 gathered at Wigton’s Greenhill Hotel on Friday evening for a glittering ceremony to honour the county’s farming heroes.
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 gave 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 this year proved once again to be a massive success. A huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists.”
The awards were hosted by Cumbrian-born Caz Graham, who reports and presents for BBC Radio 4 programmes, including Farming Today, On Your Farm and Open Country. She also reports for PM and the World at One, Caz said: “What a great night to be part of - 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, compered, and also hosted a live auction and raffle which raised a staggering £8,000 for the nominated charities - Farming Community Network (FCN), and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).
Joy Yates, regional editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: “Events like this make me so proud to work in Cumbria.“What an amazing night and a huge thank you to our awards partner David Allen and team for being so supportive.
“Congrats to all our winners and those shortlisted.
The category sponsors have all been amazing and the generosity shown by all on the night to raise £8,000 for charity was staggering.”
Georgina Lamb, senior partnerships manager with FCN said: “It was a cracking night spent amongst true Cumbria royalty at a sell-out third Cumbria Farmer Awards. Wonderful evening with the finest farmers, firms and friends the county has to offer. Grateful thanks to everyone who donated auction lots and prizes, also to those who dug deep and raised a brilliant £8k. Well done to all the winners and finalists.”
The Special Recognition Award was presented to National Farmers Union president, Minette Batters, who said in a specially-recorded video played on the night that she was both ‘delighted’ and ‘honoured’ to receive the award.
Don’t miss our souvenir Cumbria Farmer Awards coverage in the September 29 issue of Farmer.
Roll of Honour
Special Recognition Award, Minette Batters President of the NFU
Dairy Farmer of the Year, Wilson Family
Young Farmers Club of the Year, Wigton YFC
Livestock Farmer of the Year, Oli and Sophie Harrison
Tenant Farmer of the Year, Matthew and Dani Blair
Diversification of the Year, Birkett Family
Land and Environment Award, John Atkinson
Agricultural Student/Rural Skills Award, Georgia Hunter
Against All Odds, Danny Teasdale
Supplier of the Year, DW Toppin Ltd
Food Retailer of the Year, Winter Tarn Dairy
Farming Champion, Andrea Meanwell
Farmers Choice Award, Adam Day
Contractor of the Year, F&D Buckle
Women in Agriculture, Amy Bateman
Family Farming Business of the Year, Marston Family
Judges Special Award, Eden Yard Rapeseed Oil
Lifetime Achievement Award, Maureen Hodges
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