Farming heroes honoured at Farmers Weekly 2015 Awards night

The winners of the 2015 Farmers Weekly Awards were revealed last night (1 October 2015) at a dazzling ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

About 1,200 farmers and industry leaders attended the event to honour the hardworking farmers who were shortlisted for the 15 awards.

The 2015 Farmers Weekly Awards winners hold their trophies high.

The evening was compèred by actor and comedian, Hugh Dennis and notable guests included Defra secretary Liz Truss and NFU president Meurig Raymond.

The overall title of Farmer of the Year went to dairy farming couple Peter and Di Wastenage.

It was the first time dairy farmers have won the trophy and the audience showed their approval with a standing ovation.

Actor and comedian, Hugh Dennis hosted the Awards ceremony.

Liz Truss, Defra secretary said: “Peter and Di are a great example of our modern, world-class farming industry.

“The way they have built their business into a success while also improving the environment shows our innovative dairy industry at its best.

“Not only are they great innovators, but they also share their valuable knowledge to encourage new people entering the industry.”

David Richardson, farmer, broadcaster, journalist and Farmers Weekly columnist, was a popular winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Caroline Drummond, chief executive of Linking Environment and Farming attended the evening and said of David: “There are many heroes in farming – and then there are a few living legends.

“David has given so much of his life to further our industry.” 

The Farming Champion Award, chosen by the NFU and Farmers Weekly, went to farmers Tom and Kay Hutchinson and filmmaker Magali Pettier for their fantastic film tribute to sheep farming Addicted to Sheep. (Watch the Addicted to Sheep trailer).

All of the winners were fantastic examples of farming excellence and a credit to the industry – see the full roll call below.

You can read the awards winners’ stories on our awards site and see photographs from the night in our 2015 awards night gallery.

If you are feeling inspired, you can also nominate someone now for our 2016 Awards.

The full list of winners