Farmers Weekly Awards film to be sent to 100 companies and organisations

Demand for the Farmers Weekly Awards 2007 film of young children filmed at Plumpton Agricultural College has been so high that it is now being sent to 100 companies and organisations to promote the future of British farming.

“This film is a compelling tool for everyone involved in the Year of Food and Farming – and the future of British farming,” says Farmers Weekly Group’s Debbie Beaton.

“It captures the natural curiosity and interest that children have in farming and rural life.”

“These children are the consumers – and farmers – of the future. Now is the time to help them understand how food is produced, and the value that farmers play in today’s society,” she says.

Fifteen children, many from families of Farmers Weekly staff, spent a day at Plumpton Agricultural College in the lea of the South Downs in Sussex. They helped milk cows, feed pigs, handle pheasant chicks and eggs as well as climb on machinery – all the time asking hundreds of questions.

Their reaction to seeing and handling animals – as well all the day to day activities of a farm – were captured by a film crew. Hours of footage were then carefully edited by Intercommunic8 to produce a two-minute film , which was first shown at the 2007 Farmers Weekly Awards to an audience of more than 900 in the London Grosvenor House Hotel

The awards night on 31 October focused on connecting children to the countryside and the way that food is produced. The ceremony was underpinned by a children’s choir from Herne Primary School in Crowborough, Sussex. The voices of 40 children filled the enormous Great Room of the Grosvenor House, and the hearts of the audiences, as their songs praised farmers for the food they produce.