Are you the UK’s top farm manager?

Inspirational and resourceful are just two of the words likely to be used to describe 2012’s Farmers Weekly’s Farm Manager of the Year.


Farm management’s challenges come in many forms, from the countless day-to-day complications to the big structural decisions that can change the direction of a business.


Our winner this year will be meeting challenges like these and many more.


For Charlie Russell, the 2011 Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year, the accolade has added up to so much more than a name on the trophy and farming’s best night out of the year.


The rewards have included a higher profile for him and his team at the 5,000ha Glenapp Estate in Ayrshire, as employers, suppliers and customers.


“This has allowed us to attract some top calibre candidates to work for us, forge even stronger links with our customers and suppliers and emphasized our wish to exceed expectations in everything that we do.”


Charlie also values the award for the recognition it offers to the whole team. “All their hard work and commitment to our various innovative projects has started to pay back.”


One unexpected benefit of winning was an invitation to be Farmers Weekly’s ambassador on a unique trip with charity Farm Africa.


He will see first-hand the challenges faced by farmers in Africa, learn about some of the innovative projects that are helping them and bring back ideas that are relevant to UK agriculture.


Winning ways – what the judges want to see


Charlie Russell will be looking for someone who:



  • Inspires others

  • Maximises sustainable profitability by utilising all resources available to them

  • Improves the biodiversity and environment of their surrounding area

  • Working with others for mutual benefit

  • Improves the public and political awareness of agriculture

Independent judge Francis Mordaunt will be looking for someone with a strategic plan that has taken into account the location and resources of the business and likely future government support and policy change


He also wants to see excellent technical and financial skills, staff leadership and development and awareness of environmental issues.


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