Harper Adams wins Farmplanner of the year award

Nine teams of students competed in this year’s competition, organised by the Institute of Agricultural Management with partners HSBC Bank, FARMERS WEEKLY and FW’s sister company Farmplan Computer Solutions.

The award is designed to celebrate the achievements of the team which produces the best 5-year business development plan for a host farm. This year the competition was hosted by John Giffard’s Chillington Estate near Codsall, Staff. The estate covers 1620ha (4000 acres) and Chillington Farm runs to 660ha (1630 acres); mostly devoted to combinable crops and sheep production.

The Harper Adams team landed the prestigious title after producing a comprehensive analysis of cash flow and a detailed plan to use the single farm payment to enhance the farm’s sustainability and brand value. The winners received a crystal trophy and Farmplan Business Management software.

The runners up were teams from Nottingham University and the University of Reading which both received commemorative pewter tankards.

The teams received their awards from DEFRA permanent secretary Sir Brian Bender and FW editor Jane King at the Royal Show, at Stoneleigh last Monday (July 4)

Winning line up. Harper Adams students Russell Corfield (left) and Matthew Trewartha (third left) received their awards from DEFRA permanent secretary Sir Brian Bender (fourth left) and FW editor Jane King. Also pictured is the students’ tutor Tony Asson.

A smile from the runners up from Nottingham University. Students Mark Oldam (second left) and Rebecca Timmis received their awards from Sir Brian Bender (fourth left) and FW editor Jane King. The students were joined by their tutor Dr Stephen Ramsden (left).

The runners up team from Reading University included second cousins Steven Lear (second left) and Jonathan Lear (third left). They are pictured with their tutor Dr Alison Bailey (left), Sir Brian Bender and FW editor Jane King.