Sussex Farmer of the Year crowned at food awards

Charlie and Sarah Hughes, Southview Farm at Bury, were crowned Sussex Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Farmers Weekly, at last night’s Sussex Food and Drink Awards held at the Amex Stadium in Brighton.
 
The farm has been in the Hughes family since 1919, where there has been a strong tradition of adding value to home-grown produce.

This was one of the first farming businesses to sell unpasteurised milk.

See also: Find out how the Farmers Weekly Awards can raise the profile of your farming business

Today, the couple sell a diverse range of dairy products including milk, from their dairy herd and beef, rose veal and pork from their own animals.
 
Robotic milking and feeding are technologies that Charlie is deploying to put less strain on his cows – and protect their health and welfare.

This £1m turnover business employs local staff and has become a hub for other local farmers to sell their products.

This popular couple are focused on working closely with their community and protecting the countryside they live in.

BBC Sussex’s Danny Pike, winners Charlie and Sarah Hughes, Farmers Weekly’s Debbie Beaton, judge Des Lambert and awards’ patron Sally Gunnell at the event.

Presenting the trophy, Farmers Weekly’s Debbie Beaton said: “All three finalists in this category demonstrated extraordinary innovation, a drive for quality and customer focus in creating unique added value food outlets for their farming produce.”
 
Runners-up included Simon and Julia Feakes, near Shipley, who have a bespoke shepherd’s hut where Sussex Lamb burgers, from their own 300-ewe flock are served to visitors at concerts and fairs across Sussex and nationally. Rupert and son, Tim, Hoare have built a loyal following at Adsdean Farm near Chichester for their home-reared fresh and frozen pork and beef.  
 
Charlie Hughes was also a finalist in the 2015 Farmers Weekly Awards. The 2016 Farmers Weekly Awards are now open for nominations.