2018-04-20 |
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Record Entries for Cornwall Farm Business Awards
The Cornwall Farm Business Awards have received a record number of entries, with all categories expected to see some fierce competition.
The event recognises the most innovative and outstanding farm businesses across Cornwall, bearing tribute to those who are showing excellence within the industry, says Al Brooks, trustee at the Addington Fund, which runs the Awards. “We are overawed and so encouraged by the quality of entries this year. It’s very heartening to see farmers striving to improve performance and efficiencies and to create the best operations they can, especially with the current uncertainties.”
2017 winners Claire & Andrew Brewer
Shortlists have been drawn up for the seven different categories, with judges visiting each entry and interviewing them in order to select a winner. Jo Wingfield, senior agriculture manager for Cornwall and North Devon at Natwest, will be judging the Best Young Farmer Award, which the bank sponsors.
“We will be looking at their overall passion towards their farming enterprise, how they are integrating technology into their business to improve efficiencies and their individual outlook of what farming will look like post Brexit,” she explains. “Also, how they are adapting their business to cope with this; both on a sustainable level and with the greater emphasis being placed towards environmental benefits.
“The opportunity for NatWest to sponsor the Cornwall Young Farmer category again shows our commitment to supporting British farmers. The importance of the young farmers within the sector is vital for the continuation of agriculture in Britain.”
In 2017, the Best Commercial Farmer award went to Claire and Andrew Brewer, who run a 750-cow unit near St Columb. Over the past 25 years Andrew and Claire have tripled their farming area to just under 1000 acres in total, and this year they are judging the Commercial Farmer category. “Being a winner has helped attract new members of staff by raising our profile,” says Mr Brewer. “It has been interesting being involved in the judging to see how other people are doing things. There is always something to learn, life is about learning. It is great to be helping raise the profile of the Addington Fund, creating opportunities for others.”
Contenders for the 2018 awards will have to show the same determination to continually improve and better themselves in order to win, says Mr Brooks. “It’s a testament to Cornish farming that, with such a strong group of entries, the judges will have a hard task on their hands to pick a winner for each category.”
Winners will be announced at the black-tie awards dinner on Thursday 26 April at the Pavilion Centre, Royal Cornwall Showground. The event helps to raise money for the Addington Fund farming charity.
The categories are:
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Best Commercial Farmer Award 2018
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Best Woman in Farming Award 2018
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Best Livestock Farmer Award 2018
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Best Farm Processor Award 2018
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Best Dairy Farmer Award 2018
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Best Young Farmer Award 2018
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Best Farming Champion Award 2018
