Farmers Weekly Awards: The search for winners begins
The 2013 Farmers Weekly Awards launches today (25 January), marking the start of a 10-month journey to find farming’s best – individuals who stand out for their achievements and success.
The Farmers Weekly Awards aim to recognise those that make this industry so special. They celebrate the achievements of ordinary farmers doing extraordinary things.
Year on year the finalists and winners have never failed to deliver individuals who have overcome huge challenges, capitalised on opportunities and worked with others to deliver rewarding outcomes. But the qualities that bind them all are the enjoyment and passion they have for farming. Nothing is more inspiring to others than seeing that pleasure, satisfaction and reward.
The awards are an important farming calendar fixture. They don’t just showcase the industry’s best, they recognise role models for future generations, which is essential if we are to attract bright young talent so British agriculture can fulfil its global potential.
David Heath, Farm minister
This is why the finalists and winners, past and present, are such vital role models; essential in energising and inspiring others to deliver the very best.
Agriculture, more than ever, needs these role models to help spread best practice and inspire new people to enter the industry. It is, like any other profession and industry, in competition for the brightest young talent in our schools and universities. That is why it is so essential to showcase farming as dynamic, multifaceted and rewarding if we are to attract the best talent from outside, as well as inside, the industry.
The 2012 Farmer of the Year and Arable Farmer of the Year, Guy Poskitt epitomises all those qualities of a role model and more. He is at the helm of one of Britain’s most successful arable and vegetable farms. With typical modesty he puts his success down to his team, his customers and suppliers: “By focusing on what customers want first, working closely with others and adjusting the farm’s needs accordingly. You wouldn’t know if it was even Christmas Day here, because we run a seven-days-a-week business,” he says.
How has winning the top gong affected him? “It has raised my profile beyond belief – I have just been asked to speak at a world farming conference in London in the summer. More important, it has given us great recognition, pleases customers and motivates my team. I would urge anyone considering to enter to do so. It’s fantastic free marketing and PR and has certainly opened doors to new customers for us.”
Six reasons to enter
- Recognition for you, your team and family
- Opens doors to new industry contacts, clients and suppliers
- Greater negotiating influence and power
- Valuable PR and marketing for your business
- Makes your business more appealing to employees
- Experience the best night in farming
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 an entry online or download a form and return to Farmers Weekly at the address given on the form.
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 either 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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Each category has its own panel of judges comprising:
The top award – 2013 Farmer of the Year – will be selected by another panel of judges from the 15 category winners. |
For more information on the 2013 Farmers Weekly Awards including how to enter and details of previous winners see our dedicated website.