Reap benefits for your business with our awards

Described as the Oscars of the agricultural industry, the Farmers Weekly Awards. Celebrate UK agriculture like no other, and those who win have been reaping the benefits as Luke Casswell reports

Mark Ireland
Grange Farm, Sleaford, Lincolnshire
2005 Farmers Weekly Awards Arable Farmer of the Year

Mark Ireland was one of the first winners back in 2005 when he took Arable Farmer of the Year.

Although his business was still at its relatively humble beginnings, Mr Ireland was delighted to win and believed it helped exhibit the work he was doing in the industry and substantiated his reputation.

“We were incredibly pleased to have won the award back then. It’s been incredible to see how much they’ve progressed since and how the prestige behind winning one has grown.”

It was through the judging process that Mr Ireland gained some of the biggest benefits, convincing him to alter machinery to push his business forward.

“There’s a wealth of knowledge from those involved, which is constantly being transferred from one person to another.

“At the time we were working with a combination drill. I remember having a long conversation with a judge about Vaderstad drills, which ended up with us buying one and it’s been brilliant.

“Now that’s not all down to him, but it’s down to him questioning me at the time and putting suggestions forward of what he’s seen work well,” he explained.

John Hoskin
Maiden Castle Farms, Dorset
2010 Farmers Weekly Awards Beef Farmer of the Year and Farmer of the Year

John Hoskin celebrated two awards in 2010 – Beef Farmer and Farmer of the Year. He believes winning is still benefiting him and the community.

“More opportunities arose in terms of selling the product as it was in higher demand. We also were able to negotiate a better price, such was the prestige the award placed on the product. These sorts of things make a huge difference to any business, but particularly ours.

“We weren’t the only ones. It was good for farming in the West Country, it was good for the people we were involved with; just great for the whole community.

“It is the most prestigious event in the farming calendar to demonstrate the very best of British and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Steve and Heather Tucker
White Row Country Foods, Somerset
2009 Farmers Weekly Awards Local Food Farmer of the Year

Steve and Heather’s local farm shop helped them pick up the award for local food farmer in 2009 and pushed their continued success forward ever since.

“The publicity and prowess we gained from it has been fantastic. I think because it was a Farmers Weekly award it’s shown what we’re all about, going back to the grass roots of farming and growing all your own produce.”

“I feel it can be a problem with some farm shops to keep fully connected with the industry at times so this is a fantastic way of both showing and doing that,” said Mr Tucker.

Returning as a judge Mr Tucker continued to benefit from the award.

“You get to see other businesses and you’re able to share ideas and pick up tips from them. It’s really another brilliant aspect to the awards and shows it’s not just about one night,” he added.

How to nominate or enter

If you know someone who should win one of the 15 awards categories, you can nominate them at www.farmersweeklyawards.co.uk or simply telephone Linda Kimberley on 020 8652 3304.

To enter, complete the form online or download it and return to Farmers Weekly.

By completing the questions you are telling us your story – and how the farm business you are involved in has become a success. Importantly, this is about the role you have played in this journey, whether as a farm owner, manager or worker. The judges will be looking for evidence of your success in the growth of profits, collaboration, customer understanding, efficiency of production and future plans.

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