TONIGHT hundreds will gather to help recognise farmers' achievements across the county.

The 2024 Cumbria Farmer Awards will bring together some of the county’s most outstanding farmers and food producers, along with leading figures in the industry.

The event is returning for a fourth 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 diversifications.

Highly respected national broadcaster, Caz Graham, will be our host for the second year running.

The 2024 awards are launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership for the second year running with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, who are also sponsoring the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, the drinks reception, and the Supplier of the Year category.

Speaking previously about the awards, David said: “As a prominent local business we’ve been heavily involved in the farming and rural community in Cumbria for 27 years.This is where our heart is, and it gives us great pleasure to again partner with Newsquest to play an even bigger part in the fourth 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.”

The event will take place on Friday, August 16, at The Greenhill Hotel in Wigton, when we will host a Live Auction run by livestock auctioneer and Cumbrian farmer, John Wharton, in aid of two charities - Farming Community Network (FCN), and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Joy Yates, Regional Editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: “These are Newsquest Cumbria’s fourth Farmer Awards, and the events get bigger and better every year. A huge thank you to our sponsors, whose support ensures we can deliver an incredible event, and congratulations to our winners and all those recognised by being nominated.

“I am already looking forward to planning starting on our 2025 event.”