British Farming Awards 2021

Thursday, October 21, 2021

EVENING PROGRAMME National Conference Centre, Birmingham

Sponsors

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H

ello and welcome to the British Farming Awards 2021.

It is fantastic to be back in person to celebrate the very best of British agriculture and to raise a glass to the winners and shortlisted nominees here tonight.

Incredibly, two years have passed since we were last together here in Birmingham for these prestigious awards. And what an unprecedented time it has been for agriculture and wider society.

With the Covid-19 pandemic bringing seismic change to the entire world, it put the brakes on normal life for more than 18 months.

During that time, however, farming never stopped and never missed a beat. Cows were still milked, crops harvested, sheep sheared, and food grown to feed a beleaguered nation.

Heroes

Farmers, alongside other key workers, were some of the heroes of the pandemic and there was a huge groundswell of appreciation among the British public for the role you all play in keeping the nation fed.

In many ways, that is what makes tonight’s British Farming Awards so special because it is our chance to celebrate the pride, passion and innovation that has kept this critical industry going during a pivotal moment in history.

These awards are all about recognising the individuals who are driving their businesses forward, as well as celebrating the incredible people grafting to get food from field to plate every day.

And with farming’s role as not only food producer, but also a sector that shapes our beloved landscapes and provides open spaces for the public to nourish their physical and mental health, it is only right that we come together to celebrate agriculture’s special achievements.

I hope you have a wonderful evening among friends and fellow farmers to celebrate this year’s British Farming Awards.

Ben Briggs Editor Farmers Guardian

THE British Farming Awards are a welcome reminder of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by UK farmers all year round.

In these unprecedented times, we would like to thank and celebrate the work of British farmers and growers who are helping to feed the nation.

At Morrisons, we have always valued British farming and the effort, innovation and skills which go into providing food farmed to the high standards that we all enjoy and is something we should be proud of.

Sophie Throup Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing at Morrisons

Timings

X18.30pm Drinks reception X19.30pm Three-course

locally-sourced dinner served X21.15pm Awards begin X23.00pm Awards end and entertainment begins X1.00am Carriages

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

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EVENING MENU STARTER Pulled ham hock and cream cheese terrine, rocket, potato and chive salad, served with a piccalilli relish Vegetarian option: Warm chargrilled asparagus and vegan cheese on a bed of lamb’s lettuce with fresh fig and a balsamic dressing

MAIN COURSE Dunbia farm-assured beef two ways – shortcrust steak and ale pie and a herb roasted sirloin of beef served with goose fat roasted potatoes Vegetarian option: Baked vegan filo parcel filled with asparagus, red onion and mushroom with a roasted red pepper sauce

DESSERT Apple tarte tatin with thick blackberry and tonka bean cream and maple syrup caramel Tea and coffee

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Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES More than 60 industry professionals and farmers from across the country and from all sectors joined our judging panels this year. Their support, knowledge and time were instrumental over the summer when rigorous interviews were carried out with all of our finalists. Here is our 2021 team.

Agricultural Student of the Year XMegan Edwards, Harper Adams Graduate, 2020 winner XHarriet Wilson, McDonald’s, Agricultural Manager - UK and Ireland XNeil Adams, Promar International, Managing Director XHannah Noble, Farmers Guardian, Former Livestock Specialist Agri-tech Innovator of the Year XLeanne Gunn, Rothamsted Research, Public Engagement Manager XMarc Skivington, Smart Farmer, 2020 winner XRoxanne Martin, Barclays Business Banking, Eagle Labs AgriTech Industry Lead XAbi Kay, Farmers Guardian, Chief Reporter Arable Innovator of the Year XRichard Anthony, R. and L. Anthony, 2020 winner XJames Standen, Newcastle University, Director of Farms XCharlie Whitmarsh, Frontier Agriculture Crop Production, Director XMarianne Curtis, Farmers Guardian, Former Arable Specialist Beef Innovator of the Year XAndrew Hodgson, A. and C. Hodgson, 2020 winner XRobert Ramsey, SRUC, Senior Beef Specialist XSteve Powdrill, AHDB, Technical Manager National Selection Specialist XAngela Calvert, Farmers Guardian, Head of Livestock Sales Contractor Innovator of the Year XJill Hewitt, National Association of Agricultural Contractors, Chief Executive XSteven Rolfe, Stevie Rolfe Cattle Services, 2020 winner XCharlie Yorke, NFU Mutual, Propositions Consultant - Farming XAlex Heath, Farmers Guardian, Machinery Reporter

Dairy Innovator of the Year XTom Rawson, Evolution Farming, 2020 winner XRachael Madeley-Davies, Kite Consultancy, Head of Sustainability XDuncan Forbes, AgriEpi Centre, Head of Dairy XKatie Jones, Dairy Farmer, Editor Digital Innovator of the Year XChris and Caroline Franklin, Caenhill Countryside Centre, 2020 winner XAnna Davies, Scene and Herd PR, Director XAlison Teare, Simply Marketing, Managing Director XLouise Bradshaw, Farmers Guardian, Online Content and Engagement Specialist Diversification Innovator of the Year (Small to Medium) XAndrew Jones, Rackery Retreat, 2020 winner XCate Barrow, ADAS, Director XMatt Lobley, University of Exeter, Professor of Rural Resource Management XBen Briggs, Farmers Guardian, Editor Diversification Innovator of the Year (Large) XMartin Hanson, HSBC, Head of Agricultural Banking XBen Hollins, Fordhall Farm Event Caterers, 2020 winner XStuart Roberts, NFU Mutual, Deputy President XEmily Ashworth, Farmers Guardian, Content Producer Family Farming Business of the Year XMatthew Hodgson, I.M. Hodgson and Son, 2020 winner XGlyn Roberts, Farmers Union of Wales, President XBeth Summers, The Prince’s Countryside Fund, Programme Manager for The Prince’s Farm Resilience Programme XDanusia Osiowy, Farmers Guardian, Commerical Content and Event Producer

Farm Worker of the Year XDavid Ratliffe, NFU, Next Generation Forum Chair XMurray Craig, Swindale Foot Farm, 2020 winner XKirsty Barden, Management Development Services, MDS XAlex Black, Farmers Guardian, Business Reporter Machinery Innovator of the Year XTim Fray, Loven, Patent Assistant XChris Ecob, C.G. Ecob, 2020 winner XSimon Redfearn, Fulwood Packo, Country Manager XDanusia Osiowy, Farmers Guardian, Commerical Content and Event Producer New Entrant: Against the Odds XMark Coulman, Tenant Farmers Association Chair XClaire Eastham, Eastham and Chippindale, 2020 winner XSophie Throup, Morrisons, Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing XHannah Binns, Farmers Guardian, News and Business Reporter Sheep Innovator of the Year XAndrew Hogley, British Wool, Chief Executive Officer XJohn Howie, Girtridge Farm, 2020 winner XJohn Scott, Fearn Farm, Owner XHannah Park, Farmers Guardian, Senior Livestock Reporter Sustainability Innovator of the Year XPatrick Holden, Sustainable Food Trust, Founding Director XNina Skorupska, Renewable Energy Association, Chief Executive XRebecca Davies, LEAF, Technical Assistant XOlivia Midgley, Farmers Guardian, Head of Business and News

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

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MART’S THE HEART AWARDS The Mart’s the Heart Awards are all about celebrating the very best of the live auction system, especially after a year in which their importance has truly come to the fore.

W

hen lockdown hit in March 2020, there was a brief period of uncertainty over whether the auction marts would be able to keep their doors open.

Thankfully, due to tireless work by the Livestock Auctioneers Association in England and Wales, and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland, the marts remained open and have helped the livestock trade thrive ever since.

Having adapted to provide drop and go facilities for livestock, as well as streaming many sales online, the marts have been key to the current soaring trade, especially in the sheep and beef sectors.

That is why this year’s Mart’s the Heart Awards are therefore so important and rightly showcase the hard work and dedication that goes in to helping this vital part of the livestock industry thrive.

From our Mart of the Year award to our prize for the best café – which are so central to the social element of the markets – the awards are all about celebrating

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Auction Mart of the Year Winner: Gisburn Auction Mart

Auction Lifetime Achiever Award XThe winner of this award

will be announced during this evening’s awards.

Auction Cafe of the Year Winner: Dot’s Cafe Darlington Farmers Auction Mart

the very best of the auction system.

Stephanie Ryder, Farmers Guardian head of commercial sales, says: “The Mart’s the Heart Awards, and our sponsored sales throughout the year, are all about showcasing the very best of this dynamic sector; one that without which the livestock industry would not be in the rude health it currently is.”

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BRITISH AGRICULTURE CATEGORY SPONSORED BY This prestigious award is designed to recognise one individual’s dedication to the farming industry.

The award is given to a member of the agricultural industry who has worked tirelessly for UK farming, either through delivering innovation, championing the needs of fellow farmers, spearheading change and/or promoting the industry to the wider public.

The winner of this award, chosen by the Farmers Guardian team, will be announced during tonight’s award ceremony.

For more information, visit

britishfarmingawards.co.uk

Celebrating Excellence In British Farming There has never been a better time to recognise the resilience and innovation of British farming. NSF is proud to sponsor the British Farming Awards and congratulates the winners and finalists, wishing them all the best for the years ahead. For over twenty years, we have empowered generations of British farmers by ensuring produce is compliant, safe and quality assured. We are with you, your customers and consumers from farm to fork.

CREATING CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE FROM FARM TO FORK

www.nsfinternationalfood.co.uk

AG_Farmers Weekly_Awards Finalist Ad_A4_EN.indd 1

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Simon Bradley Farmer Stanford Park Farm, Oxfordshire X The establishment of Stanford Park Farm, a small estate in Oxfordshire, gave its manager Simon Bradley Farmer the opportunity to set up a new cattle breeding enterprise in 2014.

This now comprises 130-160 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cows, producing between 20-30 pedigree bulls annually, 70 breeding heifers and 40-50 pure-bred stores. A recent development is the sale of fresh home-produced beef to local residents and pubs.

One of the main markets for the herd is the sale of pedigree breeding heifers and sales of pedigree bulls to both commercial and pedigree herds are increasing yearon-year, driven by increasing demand for native beef.

New genetics are constantly being introduced to the herd, from imported semen, embryos and out-cross bulls.

This produces a wide range of genetics, meaning Simon is able to offer customers, particularly those setting

Simon Bradley Farmer

up a new herd, the opportunity to buy the complete package of a number of females along with a unrelated bull.

Colin Davidson Skaill Farm, Orkney XSustainability is at the heart

of Colin Davidson’s 405-hectare (1,000-acre) business where, with his family, he runs a 230-head suckler herd. This includes 100 pedigree Aberdeen-Angus cows and about 30 Aberdeen-Angus bulls are sold each year, a number which is on the increase.

Due to the location of the farm, cost reduction and efficiency are paramount.

By improving the feed efficiency of the cattle there is the potential to reduce the feeding

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cost per animal, as well as reducing the carbon footprint of each kilo of beef produced.

With this in mind, Colin has invested in C-lock precision feeding technology, comprising individual feed bunkers and weigh scales.

This allows selection of animals with the most efficient genetics which are retained and multiplied within the herd.

This use of technology differentiates the herd from others, allowing Colin to sell cattle with increased data

Colin Davidson

behind them and gives customers reassurance that they are buying cattle with the traits they need.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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BEEF INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Major John Gibb Glenisla, Angus XMajor John Gibb has been

breeding pedigree Beef Shorthorn cattle at Glenisla, a 1,377-hectare (3,402-acre) farm on the Angus/Perth border, for almost five decades.

He was a pioneer of the breed in Scotland, buying his first bull in the late 1960s, and became involved in breeding programmes to improve size, meat yield and carcase quality.

He attended World Shorthorn Congresses, leading to the importation of genetics

from overseas and became the first producer to use Breedplan in a UK herd.

The Glenisla herd now comprises 70 breeding females.

Steer calves are sold straight from their mothers in Forfar market, while bull and heifer calves are wintered.

The Glenisla brand has been built by annually selling a draft of heifers, as well as bulls to well-known herds.

John was instrumental in the establishment of a heifer sale at United Auction’s October

Major John Gibb

bull sales, which he believes led to a greater awareness of the breed and possibly led to Morrisons involvement.

Louise Tudor Upper House Farm, Shropshire XIn 1998, Louise Tudor,

along with her late husband, Jonathan, and father-in-law, Alan, began rearing and then finishing British Blue calves.

But in 2016 they took a delivery of Friesian bull calves from Buitelaar and found that after calculating costs, Friesians came out on top and gradually the Blues were phased out.

In 2018, the decision was taken to finish cattle rather than rear calves.

Calves arrive at four

months old and, after weighing at 10 months old, based on a daily liveweight gain of 1.4kg, Louise calculates when each animal will leave the farm.

Recently, Louise has decreased her average age to target weight by a month, meaning she is on track to finish 1,200 cattle in 2021.

She says finishing the Friesians at 12 months old, rather than Blues at

Louise Tudor

16 months, means that she can do 1.6 batches of Friesians to one batch of Blues, which really pays off.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

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Ruth and Steven Ashley Meadow Bank Farm, Shropshire X In 2013, having reached a crossroads in their future of dairy farming, Ruth and Steven Ashley changed their whole dairy system to robotic milking.

Building a new shed, introducing robots, deep sandbeds and bigger cubicles, they have gone from 19 litres per cow and a high cell count to an average a daily milk yield of 47 litres per cow across the whole herd, and they run one of Lely’s highest producing robot herds.

Lameness detection and prevention is now a key focus for the 100-strong herd, exploring the idea of foot trimming based on litres produced rather than days in-milk.

Supplying Co-op through Muller, cows are housed all-year-round and achieve 5,700 litres from forage.

This is the result of a multi-cut silage method combined with carefully calculated timing of slurry and nitrogen application, patient assessment of grass quality

Left to right: Steven, Emma, Jack and Ruth Ashley.

to determine the perfect time to mow, meticulous consolidation of the clamp and good clamp management.

Andrew Eastabrook Hartpury University, Gloucestershire XLeading a 72-hectare

(178-acre) dairy unit, as part of a commercial 400ha (988acre) mixed farming enterprise, Andrew Eastabrook manages a 200-head Holstein Friesian herd, with 50 Guernsey cows and bespoke calf rearing facilities.

The latter breed was introduced to produce more milk from grass for Marks & Spencer, improve overall milk quality and complement the autumn-calving herd. All aspects are being recorded and compared with the established Holstein herd,

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including all calves (bulls and heifers) being genomically tested.

Moving to an autumn block herd with the Holstein Friesians has simplified how cows are managed and fed; made better use of grazing and taken advantage of milk contract volume bonuses; as well as reducing calf mortality through its biosecure calf rearing unit and dedicated youngstock manager.

Smart technologies used on the farm, delivered via the university’s £2 million agritech centre, include tags to monitor cow health, a flotation tank to provide physio-

Andrew Eastabrook

therapy and recovery of downer cows, and a state-of-the-art parlour installed, designed to Hartpury University’s own specifications.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

14/10/2021 10:49

DAIRY INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Susie and Mark Mottershead The Brook, Wrexham XSusie and Mark Mottershead

are milking 180 Holstein cows plus followers on an all-yearround calving system.

Supplying into Co-op, last year saw them completely overhaul their calf care system through a multi-faceted approach, which is now at the heart of their data-led business. Changes include revolutionising their housing with the construction of a new bespoke calf shed, designed and tailored to calf needs to achieve optimum health.

After research carried out with

their vet revealed they were raising poor replacements for their herd who were losing weight, had repeated health issues and inconsistent colostrum management, daily diligent assessment of data has provided the metrics to develop robust management of an ever-evolving system which has seen beneficial changes to care routines, feeding volumes and types and improved health.

Average weight gains have increased from 0.57kg/day to 1kg/day, with a target to achieve 1.1kg/day. Calves previously used

Susie and Mark Mottershead

to take on average 10-12 weeks to double their birth weight, but this is now achieved in seven to eight weeks.

Tim Sinnott Ivy House Farm, Leicestershire XRunning 210 cows, averaging 13,400 litres on three times-a-day milking, Tim Sinnott has introduced new methods of working to improve long-term sustainability.

The autumn block calving herd is housed all-year-round, with the main milking group fed a grass and maize silage-based ration to achieve maintenance plus 40 litres.

A multi-cut system has been introduced to produce grass with the best nutrient value and reduce bought-in feed.

The business now uses 100

per cent sexed semen, selecting 100 of the highest genetically ranked animals to produce the 80 replacement heifers needed.

On-farm technology includes Soyl mapping, genomic testing and a precision feed management system and the farm is mapped on a five-year rotation to provide up-to-date soil data.

Mastitis has reduced from 45 cases per 100 cows to less than four cases per 100 cows in six years. Tim is also working with Aldi on a new cow scanner project, utilising a 3D image

Tim Sinnott

capturing system to track cows’ movements and automatically spot early warning signs of mobility issues.

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James Drummond A. and W.J. Drummond, Northumberland XJames Drummond started the move away from a traditional stratified breeding system to one focused on forage and data-led decisions.

He gradually changed the flock’s genetic base to run Aberfield cross breeding stock, with 1,300 embryos implanted over two years to set up a nucleus flock of pure Aberfields on-farm.

Since the first embryo programme, a further two breeds have been introduced on-farm with a total of 2,400 embryos

implanted to set up pure flocks of Aberfield, Abertex and Aberdale ewes to breed rams for Innovis’s sale structure.

Improved grazing management and investment in infrastructure to make this successful means the farm is now carrying twice the number of sheep and cattle with less labour and feed requirement; the increase in productivity and reduction in production costs reflected in the businesses bottom line.

Plans are underway to set up

James Drummond

a food processing facility, which will see produce sold direct from the farm as fresh and frozen cuts and ready meals.

Matt Harding Bentley Suffolks, Leicestershire XIncorporating different genet-

ics and utilising technologies has ensured the Harding family have been able to continue to compete in a competitive ram selling marketplace for many years.

Suffolks have been at the heart of the enterprise for more than 60 years, and with a desire to continue to compete within breed, but also with other breeds, came the drive to look at genetics and how these could be improved.

Alongside performance recording, some New Zealand genetics

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into the Suffolks were introduced to improve functional traits and, in collaboration with Innovis, better Suffolk ewes were also flushed to specific Charollais rams to start a composite Aberblack flock.

A move to a forage-only system means stock carried are now more functional, better grass converters and able to hold condition more easily, explains Matt.

Ewe numbers now stand at 150 pedigree Suffolks, 170 Aberblacks and a nucleus flock of 100 Aberfields. The farm sold

Matt Harding and family

182 forage-fed, performance recorded rams direct from the farm in 2020 and Matt hopes to sell 200 this year.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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SHEEP INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Steven Lawson A.R. Lawson and Son, Northumberland XAfter introducing cell grazing

three years ago, Steven Lawson has utilised grazed grass and home-grown forage, reducing input costs for his sheep enterprise without affecting output.

Farming in partnership with his father, Alan, feed and forage costs have reduced by controlling grass usage and allocating the correct daily requirement for the 1,350-ewe Mule and Mule Texel flock which is run alongside a 40-ewe pure Texel flock and 90 summer store cattle.

All lambs are EID tagged at birth, with information including birthweight, lamb vigour and mothering ability recorded.

Sires are also linked to ewes.

Recording this information has enabled Steven to monitor how animals are performing and has proved, he says, that it is not always the best looking animals which perform the best.

The farm is in the early stages of using farm management software to help with planning grazing and feed requirements to the kilograms of stock carried,

Steven Lawson

with Steven believing data collection going forward will aid planning and better decision making.

Matt and Pip Smith Trefranck Farm, Cornwall XWith an eye on the future,

innovation is at the core of business decisions for Matt and Pip Smith at Trefranck Farm.

Stocking rates have upped significantly thanks to sward improvements and pasture rotation across the 310 acres of owned and 130 acres of rented ground, which supports a 1,000-ewe Romney flock and 300 breeding hinds.

Almost all stock is sold for breeding, with only about 500 lambs finished each year.

Striving to constantly improve

the flock, breeding for reliance, specifically around anthelmintic resistance, is a key focus, say Matt and Pip, with anything chosen to stay at the farm selected primarily on worm tolerance initially.

Data very much drives decisions around breeding policy, with animals weighed regularly to follow daily liveweight gain, while imported genetics have been used with a view to improve stock performance and methods including cervical and laparoscopic AI used to ad-

Pip and Matt Smith

vance genetic gain, explain the couple. Whole flock screening for iceberg diseases is also carried out.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

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Paul Davey R.M. and E.F. Davey, Lincolnshire XPlateauing yields and a need to cut overhead costs after being caught up in the mis-selling of interest rate swaps scandal prompted Paul Davey to move towards direct drilling five years ago, leading to further innovation including lengthening rotations and block cropping.

This has allowed Paul to reduce overheads while keeping establishment, harvest and storage logistics highly mobile. The machinery and labour are managed within a

separate farm contracting company, which enables him to set a fixed charge back to the partnership.

Changes to the farming system, such as planting catch and cover crops, using manures and incorporating livestock in the rotation, have led to better nutrient recycling and improved water infiltration and retention rates in soils.

This has meant, for example, the wet autumns of 2019 and 2020 were easier to manage and crops are healthier for

Paul Davey

longer and less fungicide is used, with almost no insecticide.

Jake Freestone Overbury Enterprises, Worcestershire XDesigning a regenerative

agriculture system and integrating livestock with the arable enterprise across a wider area of the farm is Jake Freestone’s main innovation.

The move has reduced greenhouse gas emissions, cut costs of production, maintained yields with fewer inputs and improved the amount and variation of wildlife on-farm. Water infiltration has increased and soil erosion from the fields has stopped.

The system change to

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regenerative agriculture has evolved around no-till, cover crops, a longer and a more diverse rotation and the inclusion of sheep grazing in the arable system. A no-till drill has reduced establishment costs from £169/ hectare down to £46/ha and the system overhaul has seen nitrogen fertiliser reductions of 20 per cent in wheat and OSR and 40 per cent in spring barley without compromised yields.

The benefits are not just financial. With higher water infiltration rates and an increase in organic

Jake Freestone

matter levels, Jake says the system is becoming more able to withstand the challenges of a changing climate.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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ARABLE INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Will Oliver A.H. Oliver and Son, Leicestershire XUtilising poultry manure and digestate in a bid to cut bagged fertiliser use has stimulated Will Oliver to experiment with the way he satisfies plant nutritional requirements. The system is flexible, aiming for minimal tillage and moving towards direct drilling where possible.

Will has been experimenting with poultry muck application timings to see how this could reduce the use of bagged fertiliser. The spring application as a top dressing option

worked best as it was applying nutrients when the crop needs them rather than in autumn when nutrients are more likely to be lost through leaching, says Will.

The farm no longer needs to buy-in sulphur, phosphate or potash. Having maintained good indices with variable rate technology, with rotational use of poultry manure and digestate, it should be possible to cut out bagged fertiliser other than nitrogen, the use of which has been

Will Oliver

substantially reduced and savings this year equate to nearly £50,000.

Michael and James Parker Sherwood Farms, Leicestershire XAn innovative approach to plant nutrition through increased testing to apply what the plant actually needs rather than a blanket approach is helping to reduce nitrogen application at Sherwood Farms.

Michael tests before every liquid fertiliser application and he is trying to use nutrition to keep plants healthier and reduce the use of fungicides with a stronger, more resilient plant. He is hoping that this year’s results will show nitrogen

has been more efficiently used and money saved during the process.

Recently switching to a satellite-based programme which has N-Sensor technology can show variability in crop development, including in advanced growth stages.

While the tailoring of micronutrition has not necessarily seen a saving in expenditure on nutrition products, it should hopefully result in a better yield, Michael says.

A trial being carried out on

Michael and James Parker

the 630-hectare farm should show whether there is scope to cut fungicide use with this approach.

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Martin Dillon M.W. Dillon, Aberdeenshire XAberdeenshire farmer

Martin Dillon, has saved man hours and improved efficiency since the competition of his tilting bale spike in 2019.

Having used the bale spike on the forklift for three seasons now, the whole job has become more efficient, with bales now stacked three high on a trailer due to an increased lift height.

Based at Kirkmyres, Fraserburgh, the tilting bale spike has transported 8,000

round bales of straw and silage, with bales stacked three high on the trailers due to an increased lift height.

This tilting bale spike allows the operator to pick up one bale, then tilt it upwards so that the second bale can be picked up without having to put the first bale back down.

Martin purchased a new hydraulic ram, second-hand rear lift arms, a set of second-hand Manitou

Martin Dillon

brackets and used old steel leftover on the farm.

Robert Hadley Chesterton Fields Farm, Warwickshire XThe specially designed chaser bin at Chesterton Fields Farm has proved extremely successful in its first year for designer and owner, Robert Hadley.

In-field performance across the 1,360-acre arable enterprise has improved greatly since its completion last November, meaning the combine is no longer running to a headland to unload maize and trailers are not carrying mud onto roads.

It now operates continuously alongside the combine and shuttles grain to the top

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to reach an empty trailer.

The bin is an easy handled, lightweight single-axle unit, sitting on 800/65 R32 flotation tyres and fitted with a 300mm diameter unloading auger.

Offering an eight-tonne capacity, low power input is required to pull the machine and the steep-sided bin prevents crop from bridging.

Ivan Kendle, of engineering company North Norfolk Vehicle Solutions, helped build the machine, but the whole design process was commissioned by Robert.

Robert Hadley

Maximising its potential, Robert has now found other uses for the chaser bin during other points of the growing year.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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MACHINERY INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Jason and Kirstyn Munro Ecomotus, Devon X Reducing emissions on engines was the key reason behind Jason and Kirstyn Munro’s catalytic pure hydrogen system, the Ecomotus EcoPro. Based on their smallholding in Devon, the couple run Ecomotus, a company which has spent five years designing and trialling this system suitable for all combustion engines.

This transitional technology provides a solution to pollution on exiting engines, dosing pure hydrogen into diesel engines, producing a more

efficient burn cycle and increasing power to the tractor and driven equipment.

It can be fitted on any ICE engine, from vans to static generators, tractors to field equipment, marine, lorries and buses, reducing emissions and reducing wear to catalytic converters and engine components.

With positive independent results demonstrating the dramatic reductions in NOX and fuel consumption, the EcoPro reduces pollution and improve MPG, cleaning up

Kirstyn and Jason Munro

existing engines, increasing efficiency and reducing air pollution.

Albert O’Neill Ballyheather Engineering, Co Tyrone X Reducing the time of sealing silage pits by 50 per cent has been one of the key measures of success with the invention of Albert O’Neill’s Tyreshift 350.

Not only does it pick up tyres of all sizes and self-loads itself, but it can also apply the tyres to the pit from the seat of the vehicle.

Fitted with specially adapted tooth links which hydraulically rotate around two sprockets, it runs on a guide bar with nylon

wear strip and is held securely on pallet toes via chain and shackles.

A high torque hydraulic driven motor powers the chain to propel singular or multiple tyres, with ability to lift roughly 70 tyres at one time.

The Tyreshift 350 can offer great forward reach to apply tyres over pit walls and comes with a cover tray which cradles the plastic cover film to transport it up the

Albert O’Neill

clamp, speeding up the sealing process.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p14 15 Machinery DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:53

Supported by

Terry Canning Cattle Eye, Co Antrim XCattleEye is a smart way to

track lameness in cows, using artificial intelligence and video analytics to deliver the world’s first ever hardware-independent autonomous livestock monitoring platform.

The technology allows farmers to gain insights on dairy cows by walking them under a security camera connected to the internet while the hands-free solution monitors a cow’s welfare and performance without the need for collars or pedometers which need regular maintenance and

commissioning, giving a swift return on investment.

The technology has already been shown to reduce lameness by 12 per cent in one Welsh herd, reducing costs and labour for farmers and, importantly, improving animal welfare. Scientists at the University of Liverpool have also concluded it is ‘at least as accurate as a human expert in identifying lame cows’.

Plans to develop a box which will allow farmers to run the system without an internet connection, as well as future proposals to monitor

Terry Canning

cows’ sleeping, lying and eating patterns, have the potential to make CattleEye a gamechanger in the livestock sector.

Anthony Marsh Hoofcount, Lancashire XHoofcount Transit is a new

out-of-parlour feeder system to monitor cow health.

It records hoof health and weight, with a pre-programmed system which feeds each cow according to its individual requirements. While a cow is eating, the Transit weighs the cow to record any changes in weight, as well as monitoring the number of visits each cow makes.

Cows will also be footbathed at the same time, to ensure digital dermatitis is kept low.

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Customer data shows after installing automatic footbaths, farmers see a significant reduction in lameness and a saving of between £4,000 and £8,000 per 100 cows per year.

The Transit was developed because Hoofcount believed it was important for dry cows or young stock in herds or beef units, who may not be going through a parlour footbath system, to be monitored in the same way as milking dairy cows.

A ‘smart connectivity’ app allows farmers to view all the

Anthony Marsh

information collected from a smart phone, as well as receive important alerts and notifications.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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14/10/2021 10:53

AGRI-TECH INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Ian Wheal Breedr, Sussex XBreedr is a free data platform for livestock farmers, which uses existing technology like EID and scales to give producers a better insight into their production efficiencies, helps them stay aligned with regulatory needs and sell direct to other farmers or processors.

The company has a commitment to making the platform as easy as possible to use. Around 60 per cent of new customers have never used technology in this way before, showing the appeal of a

business which puts farmers in control of their data.

It even has an algorithm to predict growth rates, so farmers can identify the optimum time to finish stock, helping processors have more certainty over beef supplies.

This has allowed the company to negotiate the UK’s first ever minimum fixed price 24-month beef contract, giving farmers confidence to invest and enabling them to borrow money to buy new stock.

Future plans include the

Ian Wheal

introduction environmental tracking and sustainable finance as support systems will cease.

Jonnie Yewdall PDB Biotech, Suffolk XPBD Biotech’s technology, called Actiphage, is an accurate diagnostic for bovine TB and Johne’s disease.

It identifies the presence, or confirms the absence, of the mycobacteria which cause the disease. It can identify a few cells in a blood or milk sample and provides a definitive yes or no answer within five days.

It is also able to distinguish between live and dead bacteria, so is suitable for testing previously vaccinated animals.

At the moment, the gold

standard diagnostic for bovine TB is a skin test which measures an immune response. The result is open to interpretation, and results in many animals being given an ‘inconclusive’ result.

But Actiphage has the potential to enable these diseases to be eradicated from herds – saving time, providing certainty to farmers and reducing the amount of money the taxpayer spends on tackling bovine TB. It is also expected that an accurate test would cut costs

Jonnie Yewdall

for the taxpayer, with the Government spending £34 million to tackle bovine TB in 2018/19.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p16 17 Agri-tech DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:54

Supported by

Neil Fell N.R. Fell Mobile Sheep Dipping, Durham XSince 2014, Neil Fell has been contract dipping sheep across the UK and, key to the business’ success and contributing to the workload that sees more than 350,000 sheep dipped each year are his hydraulic dippers, he designed by himself.

With cases and seriousness of sheep scab in the UK increasing, Neil believes the most effective way of tackling the problem is effective dipping using organophosphates (OPs) to kill ectoparasites on the sheep.

Hourly work rates across the three custom-built dippers, depend on the size of the sheep; 25 lambs can fit in the cage, while on continental ewes, 14 are dipped at a time.

Work rates of between 300-400/hour are achievable, with the sheep standing in the solution for a minute and being fully submerged up to four times.

Around 250 customers across the UK are on his books, with 5-8 per cent growth in customers each year and Neil

Neil Fell

anticipates the workload to rise to over one million sheep in the next 10 years.

Aaron Hughes Roger Davies Contracting, Shropshire XEight years ago, Aaron Hughes recognised the opportunities developing in energy crops and renewables and established an energy beet division within the wider business, focusing on the demands of livestock farms and anaerobic digestion (AD) units.

Offering support from pre-planting advice through to the preparation of the end product ready for use in an AD unit, the development of a new mobile beet washer with a daily

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washing capacity of 400 tonnes has placed him in a strong position within the area.

Home built, significant investment into the washer has been designed to remove stones and clean the beet and can process 40t/hour.

Some 6,000t are contracted to AD units annually, with room to increase the tonnage. In addition, 2,000t of fodder beet is sold to livestock units in the surrounding counties.

In total, the firm harvests about 650 hectares each

Aaron Hughes

year and services 150 regular customers with Facebook and open days used to communicate with potential clients.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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14/10/2021 10:54

CONTRACTOR INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Andrew and Robert Moore Moore Agricultural Contractors, Staffordshire XRun by Andrew and Robert

Moore, the business carries out general contracting duties including forage harvesting, baling and cultivation work across 150 farms.

Recently, the firm has developed a way of undersowing maize with grass in one pass, a popular way of reducing run-off and improving soil health.

Based on the business’ trailed Vaderstad Tempo 8F planter, the bolt-on solution can put maize seed, fertiliser and grass seed in one go and is IsoBus controlled

and on section control.

Using the microgranular fertiliser tanks, grass seed is distributed to either side of the press wheels at the rear of the planter, before being covered with following harrow tines.

The press wheel creates a natural wall which contains the grass seed at least 150mm away from the maize rows, an important point as UV radiation is reflected from the ground to the underside of the maize leaf.

The agronomy of this system is equally important, and Mr

Andrew and Robert Moore

Moore has been working with Agrovista to develop a grass seed mix that provides a large root mass and does not outgrow the maize in the early development stages.

Gordon Samet Livetec Systems XLivetec Systems specialise in

livestock protection and biosecurity, building a reputation in disease prevention and control, improving welfare standards and protecting livelihoods.

Run by Gordon Samet and Julian Sparrey, the business offers disease risk audits to farms, uses models to track notifiable and contagious diseases and works with a number of industry bodies, particularly within the poultry sector to reduce the risk and severity of outbreaks.

It has also developed a suite

of scientifically backed, humane, mobile, and Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing compliant products, that range from individual birds and backyard flocks to commercial whole-house culling systems.

The company now provides services to more than 75 farming businesses. With 10 staff on the books, and extra labour hired in for depopulation services, the specialist work requires stringent risk assessments and protocols to keep employees safe.

The company also engages in

Gordon Samet

research with government bodies and universities to understand the way diseases spread and how the risks can be mitigated.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p18 19 Contractor.indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:55

Supported by

Danny and Susie MacMillan The Macs Farm, East Sussex X An innate understanding of their clientele, plus formidable drive and resilience, are some of the key factors behind the success of The Macs Farm, Ditchling.

With 18,000 organic laying hens supplying a mixture of wholesale and retail customers, Danny and Susie MacMillan also operate a thriving camping and events business on-farm.

Having gone from 20 tent pitches to almost 120 in the space of six years, the

diversification has grown in scale and added many other facets during that time.

Danny, who as a builder has converted some of the old chicken sheds into modern and attractive event space, has been the driving force behind the physical transformation of the farm.

And with Susie spearheading the marketing and her keen focus on customers, they run a series of events throughout the year, including rum and reggae nights, sausage and

Left to right: Kelly, Dean, Danny, Susie, Joey, Evie and Tam MacMillan.

cider nights, barn dances, and the Wild Meadows Weekend, which includes live music, local food and much more.

Rebecca and Stuart Mayhew Old Hall Farm, Norfolk X For Rebecca and Stuart Mayhew, diversifying away from intensive arable and pig production has not only transformed the fortunes of their farm, but also reignited their passion for agriculture.

They have, in a very short time, diversified what was an intensive business into a calf at foot raw milk dairy, farm shop, restaurant and organic vineyard.

They have grasped the opportunities presented

by Covid-19 and have hugely

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increased footfall to the farm shop, where products from their pedigree 40-cow Jersey herd are sold.

By opening their farm to the public, who are able to see daily milking taking place, they have also become the ‘go to’ place for families in the area to take their children and learn about where their food comes from.

With rare breed cattle, goats, hens and pigs sitting alongside a holistically managed arable operation, the Mayhew family is enlivened by the opportunity

Rebecca and Stuart Mayhew

to showcase that behind the food people eat are real producers and real farms, rather than just faceless retailers.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p20 21 Diversification (L) DO.indd 2

14/10/2021 10:55

DIVERSIFICATION INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR (LARGE) CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Emily and Adrian McGowan Millbank Farm, Co Down XMillbank Farm, in Killinchy,

was established in 1889, but father and daughter team, Adrian and Emily McGowan, have driven a change in focus for the business, with a farm shop in nearby Saintfield a key part of this.

Emily, a Harper Adams graduate in her early 20s, has led the development of the farm shop, which sells vegetables from their own farm, as well as a range of other local goods.

Launched in 2019, the family

then faced the savage impact of the Covid-19 pandemic a year later and what that meant to sales.

But in the face of adversity, the McGowans began to innovate and, by using the farm shop’s website, struck up a burgeoning e-commerce and delivery business, and the demand for good local produce remains strong.

With two broiler houses at Millbank supplying Moy Park and sheep being reintroduced to the farm to add

Emily and Adrian McGowan

a different element to the rotation, the business is very much looking to the future.

The Marshall family Marshall Farms and Farm Shop, Aberdeenshire X Marshall Farms and Farm Shop are run by Kenneth and Moira Marshall and their three daughters, Christine, Julie and Shona.

The farming enterprise has grown substantially over the years and now extends to more than 2,471 acres, running a 500-cow beef herd, a flock of 1,000 ewes, 791 acres of barley, of which 70 per cent is processed for malting, plus 30 acres of potatoes

and a mixture of vegetables for retailing in the farm shop.

This first stage of diversification started back in the 1990s with a self-service trailer, followed by cabins at each side of the A96 dual carriageway near Aberdeen.

This would eventually lead to the farm shop being opened in 2010. The farm shop will grow again this autumn, with a new extension which will allow them to showcase local

Left to right: Moira, Shona, Christine holding Lois, Julie and Kenneth.

produce and their offering even more. There are even plans for a drive-through service in 2022.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p20 21 Diversification (L) DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:56

Supported by

Fraser Galloway Wigwam Holidays Wigtown, Dumfries and Galloway XAfter studying a rural business

management degree, Fraser Galloway realised an alternative income stream was required if he wanted to return to his family’s upland beef and sheep 303-acre farm full-time.

The agri-tourism venture offers seven luxury, heated, four-berth wigwam cabins, six of which feature their own hot tub.

Guests have access to an on-site barbecue hut, firepits with barbecue grills, walking trials and private patios and is proving particularly popular with

young couples seeking time out from daily life.

Covid-19 forced the family to change the structure of their business to comply with government legislation and safety prompted Fraser to purchase a Touchstay Holiday app.

The technology enabled him to video an introduction to the site and give customers their allocated cabin, detailed information about local attractions, what is provided and instructions on operating the hot tubs.

A planning application has

Fraser Galloway

been submitted to add a further six cabins with hot tubs on-site and Fraser now employs five part-time employees.

Andrew and Laura Houstoun Glenkilrie Larder, Perthshire XFor Andrew and Lauren Houstoun, it would have been easy to become victim by the Covid-19 pandemic having only been established for three months prior.

But instead they persevered and built a basic farm shop, expanded their customer base and now deliver meat boxes within an extensive area of Scotland, also with the ability to send orders nationwide via courier.

The 2,500-acre working hill farm manages 160 spring-calving Aberdeen-Angus cross suckler cows and 1,100 breeding

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ewes supplying into M&S and Glenkilrie Larder.

In 2018, red deer were introduced and 55 hinds now feature, which are finished on-farm and supplied directly to customers ranging from consumers to local hotels and a restaurant/ taproom chain.

Social media has been instrumental in raising awareness of their business and an e-newsletter is regularly sent out outlining activity on the farm, offers, recipes, wildlife watch and features on other local businesses.

Andrew and Laura Houston

Future plans include expanding the farm shop and welcoming passing trade, thanks to their location on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p22 23 Diversification (S-M).indd 2

14/10/2021 10:57

DIVERSIFICATION INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR (SMALL TO MEDIUM) CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Jenny and Stephen McKerr McKerr Farming, South Lanarkshire X In 2018, first generation

beef and sheep farmers Jenny and Stephen saw an opportunity in their run down farm steading and decided to set up a craft gin distillery.

Using all their savings and living in a caravan on-site with their three young daughters to achieve their vision, the Wee Farm Distillery is now open to the public and produces a portfolio of gins along with more than 30 traditionally made gin liqueurs.

In 2020 during lockdown, the couple renovated an old cottage on-site into a luxury self-catering holiday let with hot tub, barbecue hut and a sensory gin garnish garden, which is now fully booked for the rest of the year.

An online social media following of 14,000 has ensured their route to market has been through engagement, word of mouth and selling directly, strengthened further by the opening of a Steak and Still Farm shop to

Jenny McKerr

sell their native Wagyu beef and Scotch lamb as well as produce from other local producers.

Gail and Craig Williamson Barn Farm Drinks, Essex XAs one of only two Red Tractor approved farm-pressed juice producers in the country, Craig and Gail Williamson are growing an array of fruits to supply retailers and their diversification, Barn Farm Drinks, across their 140-acre dwelling.

Their juice-making centres around producing quality fruit, further complemented by the state-of-the-art pressing equipment normally used to make champagne and sparkling wine, producing a much lighter and fresher juice where the flavours

of the soft fruit intensifies. Their products, which have secured the official Government five-aday logo, are available through Amazon, in more than 300 independent retailers.

As a LEAF-accredited farm, rich wildlife habitats have been established and 24 beehives introduced to encourage pollination.

Rainwater is harvested from their factory to water crops and electricity to more than 1,400 homes is generated from the farm’s solar panels and pressed fruit waste.

Craig and Gail are proud to

Gail and Craig Williamson

have gained the highest British Retail Consortium standard, the Global Standard for Food Safety, in the six years of accreditation.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p22 23 Diversification (S-M).indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:57

Supported by

Angus Gowthorpe K.M. and C.A.W. Gowthorpe, Yorkshire XSoil comes first in all decisions

Angus Gowthorpe makes on his 395-acre mixed farm in York.

It is an approach that has not only improved profits and transformed farm biodiversity, but is helping to ensure the business is future-proofed against any challenges that might lie ahead.

Direct drilling a wide variety of crops, Angus has focused on companion cropping, clover under leys and blending varieties in a way that has enabled him to reduce inputs, halt seed

treatments and cut nitrogen application.

His environmentally-conscious approach has also extended to his 45-head of Salers cattle, which are mob-grazed across 24ha of permanent grassland.

All of these measures have not only improved soil health, farm biodiversity and crop micronutrients, but have also resulted in greater carbon sequestration on-farm, enabling to sell sequestered carbon through the Green Farm Collective — a

Angus Gowthorpe

business he co-founded which aims to monetise carbon and biodiversity and return maximum value back to farmers.

Kate and Kevin Hoare Trenance Farm, Tideford, Cornwall XDairy farmers Kevin and Kate Hoare are shining examples of how sound investment and a drive to utilise sustainable production practices can help reduce on-farm costs while cutting a business’ environmental footprint.

Since taking over the tenancy of their 134-acre county council farm in Tideford in 2018, the young couple have introduced a host of sustainability measures that have helped improve their land,

24

farm efficiencies, and their bottom line.

Rearing their 110-head herd of Friesian cattle plus replacement heifers and beef calves on a grass-based system, the couple installed a biomethane slurry lagoon to covert methane into liquid gas that fuels the farm, while water harvested from the lagoon’s cover will feed a restored pond.

In addition to working with LEAF’s integrated farm management plan as part of an Environmental Land Manage-

Kate and Kevin Hoare

ment scheme trial, the couple have also been accepted by Defra to take part in its sustainable farming incentive.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p24 25 Sustainability DO.indd 2

14/10/2021 10:57

SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Duncan and Mary MacGregor MacGregor Farming Partnership, Norfolk XDuncan and Mary MacGregor have introduced a wide variety of measures onto their 1,000-acre organic beef, sheep and arable farm, with the goal of feeding their soil and increasing farm biodiversity.

From always leaving part of a field untouched to allow biodiversity to undergo its full lifecycle, to planting companion strips to buffer pests and diseases from vegetable crops, the couple’s innovative techniques have made proven

benefits to the farm’s habitats and wildlife.

Just as importantly, however, the measures have also helped with the long-term business, putting the farm in a better position to face climate change through increased carbon sequestration, and cutting costs so they can better handle any reduction in subsidies.

Together they are looking forward to the opportunities that will come from further improvements to building the

Farm manager Leigh Nobes (left) and Mary MacGregor.

farm’s sustainability and resilience to economic and agricultural challenges.

James Wright Wrights Farms, Co Armagh XWhen it comes to developing

a sustainable, environmentally-friendly farm business, innovation, research and adaptation are behind any decision James Wright makes.

Farming more than 4,000 pigs across 300-acres in Northern Ireland, James has not only implemented measures which have enabled his business to become carbon neutral, but has ensured it is prepared for whatever challenges are thrown at it.

Much of the success of James’ business is based

around his drive to find new ideas to drive improvements and profitability.

Developing feed practices and feed types have improved pig gut health and weight gain, while implementing strict biosecurity measures, training staff and having on-farm veterinarians has improved animal health, enabling the herd to become antibiotic-free.

Outside the pig barns, James has introduced numerous measures to improve biodiversity, while an on-farm

James Wright

aerobic digestion plant has enabled to power to convert slurry into energy, slashing electricity costs.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p24 25 Sustainability DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:58

Supported by

Brian Cameron and Julie Comins Elchies Estates, Moray XBrian Cameron and Julie Comins are the perfect example of a team which can react efficiently in storm, or in this case, a global pandemic.

In 2010, Brian and Julie began Elchies Estates from their farm in Moray and since then it has grown into the largest provider of goatmeat in Scotland.

In 2018, they launched Speyside Producers Market, and once a month local producers would get together and sell their produce to the

local community. That is until Covid-19.

Not to be defeated, Brian and Julie researched into vending machines and, with the help of external funding from Innovate UK and further investment from Brian and Julie, large machines with fridge and freezer capacities from Europe were delivered.

The machines, which are open 24 hours a day, have been filled with the best of local produce and Brian and Julie keep local producers in con-

Brian Cameron and Julie Comins

tact with local consumers and show these relationships can maintain and even develop through the use of technology.

Zoe Colville The Little Farm Fridge, Kent XNew entrant Zoe Colville

left her hairdressing career to join her boyfriend Kriss in Kent. Together they have built up their farming business and now rent 198 acres in small pieces of grazing, managing 600 ewes, plus lambs, 30 native breed cattle and 35 goats plus kids.

Zoe has used social media platforms, especially Instagram, to extend their farm business and, in 2020, The Little Farm Fridge was

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born, with the aim of allowing their followers to buy meat direct from the couple’s farm.

Using two different social handles on Instagram gives followers access to watch the animals be reared, see Zoe and Kriss’ high standard of welfare, but also see the meat being butchered and delivered direct.

Zoe also encourages customers to get involved and hosts digital events,

Zoe Colville

such as a sausage-making masterclass, and has secured a following of just under 37,000.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p26 27 Digital DO.indd 2

14/10/2021 10:59

DIGITAL INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Farshad Kazemian The Ethical Butcher, London XBetween Farshad Kazemi-

an and Glen Burrows, it is a mixture of their career experiences and utilising life skills which led to the launch of The Ethical Butcher.

With Farshad making the most of 15 years’ experience in the meat supply chain and Glen boasting talents such as film-making and photography, an idea in 2018 to deliver meat boxes nationwide has led to one of the most viral social media campaigns of 2020.

Launched as a constructive

push-back against ‘Veganuary’, the term ‘Regenuary’ was picked up globally and farmers and food production businesses all over the world joined the cause in encouraging consumers for the whole of January to source as much of their food as possible from regenerative farming.

Such was the appetite for the company’s ethos, its Facebook page had more than 6,000 followers before it even sold 1kg of meat and

Farshad Kazemian (left) and Glen Burrows

this, coupled with ongoing digital development and campaigning, has resulted in a multi-dynamic enterprise.

Will Roobottom Cowley Hill Farm, Staffordshire XComing from a farming

background, Will Roobottom alongside his father and grandfather run a 223-hectare (550-acre) farm in the heart of Staffordshire. They farm for hay and haylage to sell to the equine market, having developed their own tailored mixes resulting in premium products for their market.

Will has also recently developed a pedigree flock of Lleyn sheep, growing to 160 ewes.

Always looking to develop the farm business, Will started

his YouTube channel ‘Cowley Hill Farm with Will’ and shares his working life on social media.

His aim is to educate and inspire the next generation, highlighting the positives of agriculture and what career opportunities are available.

Recognising the surge in popularity of videos on social media, Will used his work placement at a marketing agency to train himself to produce bi-weekly videos and

Will Roobottom

daily social media posts, engaging a worldwide audience from America, New Zealand, Slovakia and more.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p26 27 Digital DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 10:59

Supported by

William Awan Harper Adams University XWilliam Awan is from a

non-farming background and has forged a career in agriculture entirely by himself.

He is now in his second year of an agriculture with animal science degree and about to embark on a placement year with Arla Foods and McDonald’s.

William has a business partnership with local farmer Bob Honey and together they raise traditional and polled Hereford cattle for beef and breeding.

William is in charge of the

marketing of their produce and has used his skills in this field to develop his own agricultural marketing business.

He has achieved many prizes with his flock of Exmoor sheep and Hereford cattle and is part of the Hereford youth organisation and the Exmoor Horn Society judging panel.

William has been awarded two scholarship opportunities, the NFU Mutual Undergraduate Award and the Dartington Cattle Breeders Trust Scholarship.

Upon graduating, he intends

William Awan

to continue with his business partner and combine this with a career in marketing and promotion of businesses.

Chloe Gimson Harper Adams University X Chloe Gimson is in

her fourth year at Harper Adams University, studying a BSc in agriculture, having grown up on her family’s 1,200-sow outdoor pig farm in Suffolk.

In her third year, Chloe carried out her work placement as a technical assistant on a poultry placement and was awarded top work-related performance awards.

She has won two scholarships, awarded

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for her achievements at university and her engagement in the wider industry. She was also a student ambassador and an active member of the off-roading club.

Chloe is heavily involved in educating the public about agriculture and is a committee member for Ladies in Pigs.

She has also held a range of positions with her local Young Farmers’ Club and is currently treasurer.

On graduating, Chloe will go to join Savills on its

Chloe Gimson

two-year food and farming graduate scheme and has aspirations of becoming an agri-business consultant.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p28 29 Ag Student DO.indd 2

14/10/2021 10:59

AGRICULTURAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Jessica Langton University of Nottingham XJessica Langton is a sec-

ond-year student studying for a BSc in animal science.

On the home farm in Derbyshire, Jessica’s family milk pedigree Holsteins and Friesians, but more recently she has been the driving force behind introducing Jersey and Norwegian Red genetics into the herd to help increase milk fat and protein content in line with their new milk contract. Jessica also works part-time for Genus ABS as a reproductive management systems technician as part of

the company’s work experience Insights programme.

At university she is a peer mentor for the university’s school of biosciences and a course representative. Outside of university, Jessica is heavily involved in her local Holstein Young Breeders Club and has won various stockjudging and showmanship competitions.

She is keen to educate the next generation of consumers and has recently signed up to take part in the Farmer Time initiative to bring farming into schools.

Jessica has aspirations of

Jessica Langton

obtaining a PhD in bovine genetics or sustainable farming and is conducting further research by applying for a Nuffield Scholarship.

John McCulloch Scotland’s Rural College XJohn McCulloch has just

completed his HND in agriculture and now works full time as a stockman for a 1,000-strong beef herd near Dumfries.

Having developed a taste for agricultural politics, he appeared on BBC Scotland, where he took part in a lively debate with a vegan discussing all aspects of animal agriculture.

John is heavily involved in a number of committees and clubs, is currently the chair of Stewartry Young

Farmers’ Club and has been involved with the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs council since 2018.

He is also part of the agri and rural affairs committee and sits on the NFU Scotland next generation group.

He is a member of the Aberdeen-Angus youth development programme and represented the UK at the World Angus Forum in 2017.

In 2015, he won the national young stockperson of the year award at the Royal Smithfield

John McCulloch

Festival, Peterborough, and he is a keen judge, having proudly judged two Royal Shows by the time he was 21.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p28 29 Ag Student DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 11:00

Supported by

Sean Harrison Littlehales Farm, Shropshire X Analysing current practice

and data to continually improve the farm economically and for birds’ welfare is a key part of the role for Sean Harrison.

Working on a broiler site rearing 300,000 birds to an average of 39-40 days, Sean has a keen focus on improving diets and has restructured the feed programme, having analysed a series of different ingredients and their impact on the health of the birds.

When joining a farm, Sean

looks into the business to try and identify what he could offer to introduce positive change.

He enjoys looking at and analysing all the data on-farm, considering the information and looking at what he can do differently.

But his bravery in speaking out about his mental health was probably his biggest contribution to the industry.

Sharing his experiences of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety,

Sean Harrison

Sean hopes to help others know it is okay to talk and get themselves the help they need.

Emma Houlton Farringtons, Lancashire XAfter answering the call for more domestic workers in farming during the Covid-19 pandemic, career-changer Emma Houlton has risen through the ranks at vegetable growers with plans now being made to take on her own farm tenancy.

When contracts started to get cancelled at the production company she owns, Emma saw there was a shortage of workers in the agriculture.

Although having very little experience of working on a farm, the former radio producer

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began work at Farringtons and swiftly progressed into a management position.

Leading the 20-strong team of permanent and seasonal staff, Emma has worked closely with the director to streamline the harvesting process with a new box system, improving efficiencies and helping the business looks into new areas, such as calf rearing and equestrian.

Responsible for staff training, Emma has been instrumental in recruiting more females into a previously male-dominated

Emma Houlton

workforce when she joined, encouraging them to progress and upskill in key practical areas central to the business.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p30 31 Farm Worker DO.indd 2

14/10/2021 11:00

FARM WORKER OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY Barry Nias Littlebrook Farm, Devon XMassive improvements in

fertility rates and a huge reduction in feed costs by Barry Nias have created a more profitable business, taking an average herd to a really good performing one.

Under Barry’s guidance, the pregnancy rate to first service grew from 17 per cent to 67 per cent. Being an organic farm, reducing feed costs was not an easy task, but Barry had managed to halve the feed costs without impacting production.

When first starting the role at Fordmore Farm, Barry said calf

mortality rates and antibiotic usage were very poor, so he subsequently put in place strict colostrum protocols and biosecurity. As a result, calf losses are now less than 2 per cent.

Prior to him joining the business, the farm also had no real framework for the team, with staff doing a bit of everything, but thanks to Barry’s new inclusive approach, each member now has their own responsibilities and is accountable for any improvements which need to be made.

Barry Nias

Following Barry’s success, he has been headhunted into a new role, but is confident he has left the farm in a good position.

Chloe Shorten J.C. Innes and Son, Aberdeenshire XTaking on a farm manager

role at just 21 on a 1,140-sow unit is testament to the commitment demonstrated to the pig industry from Chloe Shorten.

She has actively sought new opportunities to improve the farm, such as getting into the smart pork lean programme with her employer, which has resulted in making the business a lot tighter in structure.

Under Chloe’s management, there has been an emphasis on biosecurity and figures in the farrowing house has greatly

improved reducing pre-weaning mortality from 15.5 per cent to 10 per cent.

Alongside her work on-farm, Chloe has a substantial following on social media platform TikTok and produces popular videos showcasing the farm and the industry in an effort to reverse negative perceptions and engage with potential new entrants.

As a new entrant, Chloe has studied agriculture at Scotland’s Rural College, completed courses with AHDB and secured a place on the Tesco Future

Chloe Shorten

Farmer Foundation initiative, which now sees her working with a mentor to help further her self-development.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p30 31 Farm Worker DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 11:01

Supported by

Tom Addison Addison Agri, Buckinghamshire X Tom Addison began

his business in 2013 after bringing eight pet lambs back from a lambing job and purchasing 40 ewe lambs.

But his five-year business plan for a £27,000 loan to buy 400 sheep was rejected by the bank in 2015, due to his age and not owning a house.

To date, he has never received any funding from the bank.

In 2018, Tom changed to outdoor lambing to reduce

costs and rears calves to make use of the empty buildings.

Tom has taken part in the 2019 Tesco Future Farmers scheme, has a mentor through the Henry Plumb Foundation, is part of Breedr’s calf-rearing discussion group and sits on the Defra committee helping to co-design the new entrant scheme launching next year.

Going forward, he is looking to work with arable

Tom Addison

farms in the hope they will supply buildings in exchange for a reliable source of muck on-farm.

Clarke Hibbard CNH Services, Aberdeenshire XAfter spending his teenage

weekends working at a local vegetable farm, Clarke Hibbard left his Ayrshire home aged 17 to work on a cattle farm 250 miles north in Aberdeenshire.

He then spent seven years working for a mixed livestock and stable farm, before beginning his business four years ago, contract shepherding on a self-employed basis across Aberdeenshire.

After renting land all across the county on different

32

agreements, he has finally secured a five-year farm tenancy. Key investments have included equipment which speeds up any process allowing Clarke to keep work off-farm as much as possible.

For Clarke, it is important his business functions without reliance on Government subsidies and he feels once the initial investment has been paid off, this will be possible.

Outside of his job, he has also previously participated in the

Clarke Hibbard

National Sheep Association’s (NSA) ambassador programme and is a committee member of the NSA Scottish branch.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p32 33 New Entrant DO.indd 2

14/10/2021 11:01

NEW ENTRANT AWARD: AGAINST THE ODDS CATEGORY SPONSORED BY James Matthews Dynamic Dairying, Gloucestershire XJames Matthews has

been successfully running his organic dairy contract farming business, milking 350 cows for the Tortworth Estate, for the past five years.

His interest in dairy began at 12 years old after spending his weekends milking at a farm near his grandparents.

Despite being encouraged to pursue other career paths by school and his parents, James attended Bicton

College to gain a national diploma.

He has concentrated hard on getting the basics rights for grazing, fertility and herd health through investments and attending industry events.

His passion for producing milk from grass was sparked from two work opportunities in New Zealand, as well as his inspiration for their systems, which enabled people to progress through the industry from farm work to contract milker to share farmer to owner.

Going forward, James is

James Matthews

looking to take the next step in either moving to an agreement where he can own cows or take on a farm tenancy.

Bradley Sykes Sykes Produce/Sykes Contracting, Yorkshire XBradley started off as an

apprentice aged 15, but has built up a successful contract farming business, growing produce for some of industry’s biggest names.

A chance conversation with McCain on a farm visit in 2018, alongside help from a retired grower, saw Bradley start growing 20 hectares (50 acres) of potatoes.

That same year, he entered into a partnership with Hartleys, which supplies Heinz and Sainsbury’s, accepting the challenge

of growing and harvesting 202ha (500 acres) of vining peas. He has since secured a five-year deal with McCain, growing 162ha (400 acres) of potatoes, with the remaining for Walkers crisps.

Growing the business fast financially has also been a difficulty for Bradley, but planning and organisation, such as setting up payment plans, has made it achievable.

In the next two years, Bradley, who has recently joined Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s

Bradley Sykes

council, would like to purchase a small farm and house to grow the business and cut down on the rented buildings.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p32 33 New Entrant DO.indd 3

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14/10/2021 11:15

Supported by

The Dalton family Daltons Farms/Dairy, Derbyshire XAs tenant farmers across a

796-acre unit, Suzie and Angus are running a 500-cow, spring block calving herd on a 100 per cent grassland system.

Already producing homemade ice cream, the start of the Covid-19 lockdown prompted a family decision to start bottling their own milk following requests from local villagers.

The family now sells their own handmade butter and yoghurts, plus eggs and cheese, which are all produced locally.

Leading production and de-

velopment is Angus, while Suzie takes responsibility for all calf rearing, hop management, financial and office administration.

Son Henry returned from university to run the dairy herd and staff, daughter Rosie is responsible for all things ice cream, new customers, sales and social media and Henry’s wife Rosa is responsible for accounting and budgeting.

Taking proactive steps to mitigate the end of farm subsidies, the simplicity of the farm system keeps labour and feed

The Dalton family

costs down, and the recent introduction of a coffee and cone kiosk is proving increasingly popular.

The Knight family Court Farm Shop, Gloucestershire XSimon Knight and his wife Lisa head up the 30-strong team at Court Farm, comprising 180 acres of agricultural land and a further 240 acres being rented.

Supported by Simon’s father Ray who manages the sheep, Simon runs the cattle, hens and pigs, while Lisa runs the farm shop with cousins Katie and Louise.

In 2015, Simon and Lisa invested £240,000 into the development of a farm shop with a butchery, which has

34

provided an outlet for the farm’s home-reared beef, lamb, pork and eggs.

The butchery has since doubled and was followed by a delicatessen taking an average weekly customer base of 977, with an individual spend of £11.75 per visit to 1,626 customers visiting a week and an average of £17.26 per week.

During the first lockdown last year, the family created a much-needed delivery and collection service for the most vulnerable and families who

The Knight family

were isolating and its Facebook reviews rating increased from 4.8 to 5, where it remains.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p34 35 Family.indd 2

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FAMILY FARMING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR CATEGORY SPONSORED BY The Marshall family Marshall Farms and Farm Shop, Aberdeenshire XExtending to more than 2,500

acres, Kenneth and Moira Marshall, along with their three daughters, run a mixed farming enterprise allowing them to spread risk and handle changes in market demand and supply, as well as maintaining a solid cashflow all year round.

Diversifying into a purpose-built farm shop and cafe, Kenneth and Moira oversee the full enterprise, while daughters Christine, Julie and Shona, having all returned from university, are responsible for the farm

administration and social media coverage.

Investments include the purchase of 100 Aberdeen-Angus breeding cattle to showcase home-reared beef for an on-site butchery, a bespoke lambing shed to cater for the rapid increase in sheep numbers and rubber matting for cattle slats.

Looking ahead, expansion of the farm shop with solar panels is underway, providing a further 1,115sq.m, where a state-of-theart retail area and kitchen will showcase quality local produce

The Marshall family

and a drive-through barbecue, created in the second lockdown earlier this year to retain and strengthen their customer base.

The Stirling family Upper Dysart Larder, Angus XAndrew and Anita Stirling have taken great strides to secure their farm for their four children, diversifying into producing and packing potatoes, vegetables and ready meals.

Eldest Jessica, 28, runs the HR and technical side of the business; Alexander, 27, runs the engineering and mechanical group on-site; Hannah, 25, works in administration and daily running of the factory; and James, 19, heads the retail mashed potato division.

The business, which employs

70 people, adopts sustainable practises where possible and has invested more than £2 million into building new sheds to complement their washing, processing and packing lines, along with a mashed potato line.

The family have long supported their local communities so when the pandemic hit, they supplied cooked baking potatoes and soup packs to 14 organisations and offered free produce into the NHS hospitals for staff to collect as they came off shift.

The family is expanding its

The Stirling family

product range, has installed new equipment and developed a technique which will result in a fresh product with a 30-day shelf life.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p34 35 Family.indd 3

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14/10/2021 11:03

Supported by

This award was introduced to recognise an individual or group determined not to give up in the face of adversity. We reflect on some previous winners.

FARMERS GUARDIAN’S FARMING HERO Emma Picton Jones The DPJ Foundation XAfter the tragic death of her husband to suicide, mother of four Emma Picton-Jones launched a charity to improve mental health awareness among farmers in her native Wales and beyond.

Despite his calm, happy exterior, Daniel was crippled with anxiety and depression and suffered with it his entire life, but felt there were no options for him to pursue the help he needed.

Emma launched The DPJ Foundation which now operates a 24/7 telephone and coun-

selling service for people with mental health problems in rural communities.

Fundraising along the way with a host of volunteers, she has raised more than £150,000, galvanised agricultural communities and inspired those struggling to seek help they need.

She has delivered 450 specialised courses and provided 120 farmers with fully funded counselling.

For more information, visit www.thedpjfoundation.com

#StayStrongStu XWhen 25-year old farmer Stuart Ridley was diagnosed with an operable brain tumour, the farming industry proved how it can be a formidable force.

An international campaign under the hashtag #staystrongstu say family, friends, Young Farmers, rugby teams, his local Hexham auction mart and rural communities far and wide demonstrating strength in numbers.

Collaboratively working

36

BFA Guide 2021 p36 Hero.indd 2

together, they supported Stu and his family, raised thousands of pounds for charity and promoted health awareness.

Speaking about the way farming comes together in times of adversity, auctioneer Chris Armstrong believes there is no greater industry. He says: “It really illustrates farming people for what we are: great characters with great resilience and great support between our own kind.”

CATEGORY SPONSORED BY

Sam Stables Herefordshire XIn a heart-warming act of

kindness, livestock farmer Sam Stables took on an entire flock of sheep from Yorkshire to his Herefordshire farm and lambed them for a friend who had been hospitalised by coronavirus.

Malham-based David Newhouse was struck down with the virus days before his flock of 240 Cheviot Mules were due to lamb and was rushed to intensive care, leaving wife Carol, also displaying symptoms of the virus, to lamb the flock alone.

Friend of the family, Sam, who farms 81 hectares on the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, arranged a haulier to transport the flock 200 miles south to lamb on his own farm to ease the huge pressures facing the family.

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

14/10/2021 11:04

Supporting farmers.

Celebrating agriculture.

We work with 140,000 trusted farmers across the UK - they’re integral to the quality and innovation that helps our business thrive. So we’re proud to sponsor the British Farming Awards 2021.

Excellence in farming makes the difference.

abpuk.com

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13/10/2021 16:05:15

14/10/2021 16:04

Supported by

To watch Clarkson’s Farm is to witness a real and honest account of how farming is often described, a labour of love. The brilliant partnership between Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper showcased agriculture to an audience who, the majority of which, would never have known how tough daily realities of farming can be. Here’s a snapshot of the story behind this year’s unique award.

A

s farming’s profile among the public surged during the pandemic, it also experienced a well earned shot in the arm from TV icon Jeremy Clarkson.

His Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm proved to be a runaway success and engaged with large swathes of the non-farming public in a humorous, but also enlightening way.

With Jeremy already a huge figure in the world of TV with years of success under his belt with the likes of Top Gear and The Grand Tour, he brought his unique outlook to the world of agriculture.

Showcasing the trials and tribulations of life on his Oxfordshire farm, as well as making a star of young farmer manager Kaleb Cooper, the show has done much to boost farming’s image and has, thankfully, been commissioned for a second season.

Unlikely double act

The pair’s working relationship was a particular hit with their audience. Kaleb, who was born in the Cotswolds and hadn’t left the area until the show was made, couldn’t be further from the

38

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p38 39 Jeremy Clarkson DO.indd 4

14/10/2021 11:05

FLYING THE FLAG FOR BRITISH AGRICULTURE

Chipping Norton set Jeremy is a member of.

But he helped the celebrity star get to grips with his 1,000acre Diddly Squat Farm, with the pair becoming an unlikely TV double act.

A series of calamitous scenes including Jeremy’s purchase of an oversized Lamborghini tractor which was too big for his shed, electric shocks from his own fence, struggling to handle his sheep and realising his pheasants had eaten his home-grown wasabi, inevitably brought hilarity to the show.

Add to this Kaleb’s regular exasperation of Jeremy and his intentional telling offs for his regular ‘rookie errors’, ‘cock ups’ and

generally not following instruction, the show became quality viewing.

Ambassadors

Winning many admirers within the farming community, as well as becoming unintentional farming ambassadors, Jeremy and Kaleb have helped farming ride the crest of an incredible wave of public support over the past 18 months.

Together, the duo have catapulted the role of British farmers and the agricultural world to an audience who normally would never give it a thought.

A warm and hugely deserved congratulations from the agricultural community for Flying the Flag for British Agriculture.

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p38 39 Jeremy Clarkson DO.indd 5

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14/10/2021 11:05

Supported by

GUEST LIST NAME

COMPANY

TABLE NO

A Neil Adams Chris Adamson Tom Addison Angela Addison Andrew Addison Rob Addison Sarah Allwood John Allwood Richard Anthony Lynwen Anthony Sarah Arden Paul Arden Stephen Ashley Ruth Ashley Dean Asplin Henry Astor Jack Atherton Sam Avery William Awan Rachel Awan Barry Awan Grace Awan

Promar International The Conifers Addison Agri Addison Agri Addison Agri Livestock Auctioneers’ Association Oxbury Oxbury Cae Pentre Cae Pentre PBD Biotech PBD Biotech P.J. & P.E. Ashley & Son P.J. & P.E. Ashley & Son Isuzu (UK) Oxbury Rainworth Skoda Livetec systems The Conifers The Conifers The Conifers The Conifers

6 60 43 43 43 34 16 16 5 5 63 63 66 66 11 16 11 30 60 60 60 60

Longlea Farm Longlea Farm The Conifers Farmers Guardian ADAS The Macs Farm The Macs Farm NFU Trefranck Farm

68 68 60 71 6 47 47 7 59

B Charlotte Baillie Robert Baillie John Baines Alex Barker Cate Barrow Liz Barton Peter Barton Minette Batters Pete Bebbington

40

NAME

COMPANY

Tim Bebbington Nichola Bell Trevor Birchall David Blair Patricia Blair Michelle Boliver Simon Bradley Farmer David Bradley Farmer Tom Bradley Farmer Louise Bradshaw John Brereton Janet Brereton Ben Briggs Alex Briggs James Brough Ed Brown Adam Buitelaar Ella Butler

TABLE NO

Castle Veterinary Group Farmers Guardian Messrs Davidson Messrs Davidson Overbury Enterprises Stanford Park Farm Stanford Park Farm Stanford Park Farm Farmers Guardian Livestock Auctioneers’ Association Livestock Auctioneers’ Association Farmers Guardian Hoofcount Keenan Oxbury Buitelaar Group Hoofcount

59 71 17 43 43 70 52 52 52 71 34 34 7 65 17 16 24 65

C Sarah Caldwell Angela Calvert Brian Cameron Sarah Clarke Louise Clarke Graham Clarke Berwyn Clarke Jeremy Clarkson David Clegg Jason Clench Zoe Colville

Trenance Farm 32 Farmers Guardian 72 Elchies Estates 68 ADAS 8 Alltech 17 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm PBD Biotech 63 Clarkson’s Farm 7 Livetec systems 30 Barn Farm Drinks/ 42 D.C. Wiliamson The Little Farm Fridge 48

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p40 42 45 47 49 50 Guest List.indd 4

14/10/2021 11:07

Award Congratulations to all the British Farming Aw A ard Finalists!

ADAS is the U UK's largest independent endent ag agricultural & environmental nviro nm ta consultancy. c We translate cut cutting-edge ese rc h in nto to practical, ac pr tally research into profitable, and environmentally ssustainable ustai able sso ol solutions.

With 400 spe W cia lis ists tss a acro oss Engl E nd an d Wa les, we hav ve loc specialists across England and Wales, have local expertise p in c rop p pro oduc ductivi vity li vestock kh healt h so il nut trition, ion crop productivity, livestock health, soil nutrition, ines s & ffarm iinfrast tructure p plann ing. farm business infrastructure planning.

www.adas.co.uk ww www adas das co.uk co uk das co.uk For expert impartial advice, talk to us enquiries@adas.co.uk

P of RS Part RSK Group

CLA BFA landB 132x86mmV12c.qxp_Layout 1 01/10/2021 08:54 Page 1

The CLA is delighted to be part of the 2021 British Farming Awards.

We champion British farmers and celebrate their innovation, adaptability and determination.

For over 100 years we have been helping farmers and rural landowners to protect and make the most of their assets.

To protect your valuable land and property, join the CLA today.

WWW.CLA.ORG.UK

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14/10/2021 16:07

Supported by

GUEST LIST NAME

Julie Comins Eloise Comins Peter Compton Huw Condron Callum Cooke Kaleb Cooper Lindy Cooper Victoria Corbett Terry Coupe Chris Crow Sarah Cunningham Sean Curwen

COMPANY

TABLE NO

Elchies Estates 68 Elchies Estates 68 Stanford Park Farm 52 H.A.C. Shepherding 59 Elchies Estates 68 Clarkson’s Farm 7 MacGregor Farming 41 Partnership Karro Food Group 1 Buitelaar Group 24 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm SAI Global 4 Hoofcount 65

D Paul Davey Emma Davey Colin Davidson Pamela Davidson Nick Davies Rebecca Davies Jim Davies Dafi Davies Roger Davies Phillipa Dawson Martin Dillon Jennifer Dillon Dan Dixon Jonathon Dodd Charlotte Dodds Jamie Dodds

42

R.M. & E.F. Davey 62 R.M. & E.F. Davey 62 Messrs Davidson 43 Messrs Davidson 43 Two sisters Food Group 1 LEAF 5 AHDB 18 The Little Farm Fridge 48 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm Livetec systems 30 M.W. Dillon 66 M.W. Dillon 66 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm Oxbury 16 Livestock Auctioneers’ 34 Association Jamie Dodds Design 45

NAME

Mark Drew Sam Drummond James Duggleby James Dunn Matthew Dymond Maddie Dymond

COMPANY

TABLE NO

Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm Oxbury 16 Krone 18 ADAS 8 Trenance Farm 32 Trenance Farm 32

E Chris Ecob Rob Edwards Danii Elliott Gabby Emery Charlie Ennals Nick Evans Natalie Evans Alison Ewing

C.G. Ecob Kubota UK ABN Buitelaar Group FWAG Oxbury The Little Farm Fridge T.J. & S.R. Sinnott

5 9 4 24 41 15 48 44

F Jonny Farmer Gill Farmer Paul Farrington Neil Fell Sarah Fell Sandra Fell Brian Fell Toby Fleming Jason Flint Duncan Forbes Simon Foster Chris Franklin Edie Freestone Thea Freestone Jake Freestone Alex Frost

Sittyton Farm 33 Sittyton Farm 33 Farringtons 69 N.R. Fell 67 N.R. Fell 67 B., R. & S. Fell 67 B., R. & S. Fell 67 Oxbury 16 Alltech 17 AgriEpi Centre 6 Farmers Guardian 7 Caenhill Countryside Centre 7 Overbury Enterprises 70 Overbury Enterprises 70 Overbury Enterprises 70 Farmers Guardian 71

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

BFA Guide 2021 p40 42 45 47 49 50 Guest List.indd 5

14/10/2021 11:08

JobsInAgriculture Jobs in your field

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Let us keep you updated by email and never miss another great job

JobsInAgriculture.com

THE ALL-NEW ISUZU D-MAX

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28/09/2021 14:18

14/10/2021 16:13

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14/10/2021 16:04

GUEST LIST NAME

COMPANY

TABLE NO

G Lorrraine Galloway Ian Galloway Fraser Galloway Marcello Garbagnoli Beth Gardner Rob George Edel Gibbons Janet Gill Andrew Gill Chloe Gimson Ashley Gimson Molly-Anne Gimson Clemmie Gleeson Charlie Glenister Phil Gore Geoff Gower Angus Gowthorpe Kerry Gowthorpe Keith Gue Matt Guest

Clantibuies Farm Clantibuies Farm Clantibuies Farm Farmers Guardian Alltech Oxbury Buitelaar Group Trenance Farm Trenance Farm Savills A. & S. Gimson A. & S. Gimson Reverberate Oliver Landpower Buitelaar Group PBD Biotech K.M. & C.A.W. Gowthorpe K.M. & C.A.W. Gowthorpe Stanford Park Farm Trenance Farm

48 48 48 72 17 16 24 32 32 60 60 60 41 11 24 63 67 67 52 32

H Phillip Hallett Mark Hammond Charles Harding Jan Harding Tom Harding Ellie Harding Matt Harding Joanne Harper

Dynamic Dairy Farming 61 PBD Biotech 63 Bentley Suffolks 66 Bentley Suffolks 66 Bentley Suffolks 66 Bentley Suffolks 66 Bentley Suffolks 66 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm Lyndon Harris Agrovista 45 Lisa Harris LHP Accountants 45 Sean Harrison Littlehales Poultry Farm 68 Rosie Harrison Littlehales Poultry Farm 68 David Hart Kubota UK 9 Liam Healy Dynamic Dairy Farming 61 James Heath Oxbury 16 Michael Hemmings NSF Agriculture UK 1 Rob Henderson T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 Amanda Henderson T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 Clarke Hibberd Sittyton Farm 33 David Hibberd Sittyton Farm 33 Helene Hibberd Sittyton Farm 33

NAME

Kate Hoare Kate Hoare Kate Hoare Kate Hoare Andrew Hodgson Claudia Hodgson Andrew Hogley Sheena Horner Sarah Horsfield Sophie Hoskins Emma Houlton Lauren Houstoun Andrew Houstoun David Houstoun Morag Houstoun Cat Howell John Howie Aaron Hughes Jill Hunter

COMPANY

Trenance Farm 32 Trenance Farm 32 Trenance Farm 32 Trenance Farm 32 Cheverton Farm 6 Cheverton Farm 6 British Wool 5 Galloway Chillies 6 Senior Compliance Fields 1 Cowley Hill 54 Farringtons 69 Glenkilrie Larder 40 Glenkilrie Larder 40 Glenkilrie Larder 40 Glenkilrie Larder 40 Oxbury 15 Girtridge Farm 5 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm Harbro 17

I James Innes

J.C. Innes

19

Stanford Park Farm Farmers Guardian Oxbury Oxbury Rackery Retreat Rackery Retreat Rackery Retreat Rackery Retreat Rackery Retreat Farmers Guardian

52 71 15 16 49 49 49 49 49 72

A Plan Insurance Isuzu (UK) Co-op Forget Me Not Farm Holidays Forget Me Not Farm Holidays

4 11 8 59

J Romy Jackson Tom Johnson Nigel Jones Maurice Jones Andrew Jones Jenny Jones Larissa Jones Andrew Jones Jenny Jones Katie Jones

K Esther Kane Alex Kearney Joseph Keating Jimmy Kempthorne Sheila Kempthorne

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p40 42 45 47 49 50 Guest List.indd 7

TABLE NO

59

45

14/10/2021 11:08

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Proud to be supporting Dairy Innovator of the Year This award recognises those who are brave enough to challenge conventional thinking and bring fresh ideas to our industry.

As trusted feed services partner to some of Britain’s top performing dairy farms, we are proud to recognise those businesses that share our commitment to innovation and are brave enough to make change for the better.

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30/09/2021 08:59

14/10/2021 16:09

GUEST LIST NAME

Bob Kendal Arron Kennedy Natalie Kennedy Sanjeev Khaira Simon Kidd Simon Knight Lisa Knight Chris Knowles

COMPANY

TABLE NO

Alltech The Little Farm Fridge The Little Farm Fridge Farmers Guardian Fullwood Packo Court Farm Shop Court Farm Shop Farmers Guardian

17 48 48 7 3 69 69 72

L Georgina Lamb George Lane Paul Langford

FarmingCommunityNetwork 7 Oxbury 15 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm Jessica Langton Crowfields Farm 69 Christophe Lavialle ADAS 8 Steven Lawson South Farm 67 Melissa Lawson South Farm 67 Alan Lawson South Farm 67 Anne Lawson South Farm 67 Caroline Le Bourgeois Caenhill Countryside 7 Centre Andrew Linscott Alltech 17 David Lord Beeswax Farming 8

M Mary MacGregor

MacGregor Farming Partnership Malcolm MacGregor MacGregor Farming Partnership Fergus MacGregor MacGregor Farming Partnership Duncan MacGregor MacGregor Farming Partnership Danny MacMillan The Macs Farm Susannah MacMillan The Macs Farm Evie MacMillan The Macs Farm Dean MacMillan The Macs Farm Joey MacMillan The Macs Farm Tam MacMillan The Macs Farm Sharon MacMillan The Macs Farm Rachael Madeley-Davies Kite Consultancy Joe Mannion Buitelaar Group Anthony Marsh Hoofcount Jane Marsh Hoofcount

41 41 41 41 47 47 47 47 47 47 47 6 24 65 65

NAME

COMPANY

Philippa Marsh Hoofcount 65 Shona Marshall Marshall Farms 42 Julie Marshall Marshall Farms 42 Moira Marshall Marshall Farms 42 Kenneth Marshall Marshall Farms 42 Christine Marshall Marshall Farms 42 Dave Marston Madeley Heath Motors 11 John Martin Addison Agri 43 Suzanne Martin Addison Agri 43 Vicky Matthews Rackery Retreat 49 Dave Matthews Rackery Retreat 49 James Matthews Dynamic Dairy Farming 61 Amy Matthews Dynamic Dairy Farming 61 Fergal McAdam Alltech 17 Melissa McChesney Farmers Guardian 72 Kirsty McCormick Clantibuies Farm 48 John McCulloch 64 Maureen McCulloch 64 George McCulloch 64 Adrian McGowan Millbank Farm 69 Emily McGowan Millbank Farm 69 Tom McGrath R.M. & E.F. Davey 62 Jenny McKerr The Wee Farm Distillery 68 Stephen McKerr McKerr Fencing 68 Michael McNelis Cowley Hill 54 Deborah McNelis Cowley Hill 54 Dominic Miller Bentley Suffolks 66 John Milne Sittyton Farm 33 Morgan Minty Marshall Farms 42 Laura Mitchell A Plan Insurance 4 William Mitchell Sittyton Farm 33 Helen Mitchell Sittyton Farm 33 Deven Modha British Egg Industry Council 1 Kevin Morrell T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 Jodie Morris Addison Agri 43 Meg Morrison Sittyton Farm 33 Neha Morrison Newcastle University 45 Susie Mottershead M. & S. Mottershead 19 Mark Mottershead M. & S. Mottershead 19 Kirstyn Munro Ecomotus 19 Jason Munro Ecomotus 19 Sarah Murray Farmers Guardian 71 Karen Mutch Glenkilrie Larder 40 Eric Mutch Glenkilrie Larder 40 Henry Myatt Kubota UK 9

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

BFA Guide 2021 p40 42 45 47 49 50 Guest List.indd 8

TABLE NO

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14/10/2021 11:08

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GUEST LIST NAME

COMPANY

TABLE NO

N Barry Nias Katherine Nias Gemma Nicholas Danny Nicholas Keith Nobes Leigh Nobes

W. Percey and Son W. Percey and Son Rackery Retreat Rackery Retreat MacGregor Farming Partnership MacGregor Farming Partnership

70 70 49 49 41

A.H. Oliver & Son A.H. Oliver & Son A.H. Oliver & Son A.H. Oliver & Son A.H. Oliver & Son Newton Regis Primary Ballyheather Engineering Ballyheather Engineering Farmers Guardian

45 45 45 45 45 45 70 70 71

41

O Wiliam Oliver Polly Oliver Alf Oliver Gill Oliver Rory Oliver Katie Oliver Albert O’Neill Louise O’Neill Danusia Osiowy

Natalie Parker Michael Parker James Parker James Parrett Paul Phyall Caryss Pickavance Will Pike Fred Playford Tom Powell Jane Prentice Bob Prentice Robert Price Jones James Prior Julie Pryce Phil Pyke

Westcountry Premium Venison Hoofcount Sherwood Farms Sherwood Farms Hunt Forest Group NSF International Carter Jonas Kubota UK Fred Playford Farming Oxbury Glenkilrie Larder Glenkilrie Larder PBD Biotech Livetec systems Buitelaar Group Trefranck Farm

59 65 7 7 11 1 60 9 41 15 40 40 63 31 24 59

NFU R.M. & E.F. Davey

5 62

R David Ractliffe Will Raines

Simon Redfearn Jake Rees Cath Rees Andy Richardson Stuart Roberts Glyn Roberts Craig Robertson Eilidh Robertson William Roobottom Neil Roobottom Julie Roobottom Graham Roobottom Jonathan Rook Kate Rowell Andy Rowland Sarah Russell Tina Russell Matt Ryan Steph Ryder

COMPANY

TABLE NO

Fullwood Packo Rackery Retreat PBD Biotech Welsh Food and Drink Association NFU Mutual Farmers Union of Wales Glenkilrie Larder Glenkilrie Larder Cowley Hill Cowley Hill Cowley Hill Cowley Hill Kubota UK Galloway Chillies SAI Global Livetec systems Stanford Park Farm Oxbury Farmers Guardian

3 49 63 8 5 6 40 40 54 54 54 54 9 6 4 31 52 15 72

S

P Ben Paradine

NAME

Lizzie Sagoo Gordon Samet Neal Samet Chris Sankey Penny Sawyer Madeleine Sawyer Nik Searston Adam Shepherd Shi Shi Mel Shipley Chloe Shorten Jenny Simmons Tim Sinnott Susan Sinnott Kate Sinnott George Sinnott Jane Sinnott Candida Sirmon Dave Skirvin Marc Skivington Anna Sloan

ADAS 8 Livetec systems 31 Livetec systems 31 Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm NSF Agriculture UK 1 A Plan Insurance 4 SAI Global 4 Hoofcount 65 Alltech 17 Oxbury 15 J.C. Innes 19 T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 T.J. & S.R. Sinnott 44 Farmers Guardian 72 ADAS 8 Smart Farmer 5 Girtridge Farm 5

Get involved on social media, use #BFA21

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49

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Supported by

GUEST LIST NAME

Pip Smith Matt Smith Julian Sparrey James Standen Wayne Stanton Alex Stephen Harley Stoddart Mark Stoneham Hayley Stoneham Kelly Stoner Janatha Stout Craig Stuart Charlie Sullivan Justine Sumner Oliver Surman Oliver Surman Ben Swift Bradley Sykes

COMPANY

TABLE NO

Trefranck Farm Trefranck Farm Livetec systems Newcastle Univeristy Stanford Park Farm Sittyton Farm AHDB Stanford Park Farm Stanford Park Farm The Macs Farm NSF Agriculture UK Marshall Farms PBD Biotech Farmers Guardian Oxbury Oxbury PBD Biotech Sykes Produce / Sykes Contracting

59 59 31 7 52 33 8 52 52 47 1 42 63 72 15 15 63 19

T Clive Tench Scott Thomas Roseanne Thomas James Thornton GemmaThorpe Vicki Tripney Susan Tucker Louise Tudor Gemma Tudor Margaret Tudor Kirsty Turner James Turner

50

Roger Davies Contracting/ 57 Brickyard Farm RVT 11 AHDB 18 Oxbury 16 Farmers Guardian 72 Keypak Group 1 Dynamic Dairy Farming 61 Buitelaar Group 24 Buitelaar Group 24 Buitelaar Group 24 Livestock Auctioneers’ 34 Association Livestock Auctioneers’ 34 Association

NAME

Jenny Turner

COMPANY

TABLE NO

Livestock Auctioneers’ Association

34

Farmers Guardian

71

Farmers Guardian Fullwood Packo Isuzu (UK) KW Help 4 Businesses Isuzu (UK) Crowfields Farm Sykes Produce / Sykes Contracting Barn Farm Drinks/ D.C. Wiliamson Barn Farm Drinks/ D.C. Wiliamson ADAS The Little Farm Fridge

71 3 11 4 59 11 69 19

V Anthony Voyle

W Tom Waddington Lesley Walker George Wallis Charlotte Walsh Louise Webber Brian Wheeler Paul White Victoria Whiteley Craig Williamson Charlie Williamson Lucy Wilson Christopher Woodhead Andrew Wright Ali Wright

Livestock Auctioneers’ Association Livestock Auctioneers’ Association

42 42 8 48 34 34

Y Jonnie Yewdall Charlie Yorke Grace Young

PBD Biotech NFU Mutual NSF Agriculture UK

63 6 1

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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We're doing our bit for a greener future...

Last year we reduced the plastic in the packaging of our Morrisons products by 11%.

We've already reduced our food waste in store by 13% and we're reducing this even further.

We've pledged to be completely supplied by 'net zero' carbon British farms by 2030.

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TABLE PLAN

52

Find out more at britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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Does someone you know deserve to be part of the 2022 awards?

Register your interest in nominating or attending in 2022 at www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk BFA Ads.indd 3

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britishfarmingawards.co.uk

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