Farmer Focus: Good farming looks similar wherever you go
© Jason Bye A year has passed since I somewhat nervously headed off to London as a finalist in the Farmers Weekly Awards.
I knew winning would mean a lot to me, but on the big night, with all the glamour and glitz unfolding, I was knocked for six to be named as the category winner.
This year I get to go to the awards night for a second time, because one consequence of winning is the privilege of judging your category the following year; the opportunity to experience the process from the other side of the fence.
See also: Farmers Weekly Awards 2022: Farm Manager of the Year
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Not only does it really drive home the quality and professionalism of the applicants, but it also gives a valuable insight in to how these top managers organise their businesses and skilfully execute their objectives.
We visited three farm managers, each responsible for farms in different parts of the country, between them producing a wide range of produce including beef, soft fruit, dairy and lots of combinable crops.
Despite the farms’ obvious differences, there were also many similarities in the challenges they face, and the desire to produce food of the highest possible standards.
I found the experience of meeting the farm managers enormously inspirational and of great benefit to me personally.
It’s very easy to become isolated in our separate parts of the industry and lose awareness of the changes that are taking place in agriculture as a whole.
So, what were the standout messages that have stuck with me? First – and very appropriately, as the award is sponsored by Safety Revolution – was the effort going into health and safety, such as the use of advanced machinery, electronics and simple lone-working buddy apps to keep staff safe.
Second, the thought being put into looking after the natural environments on the farms, as well as the care being taken to prevent on-farm practices affecting the much wider area surrounding them.
Third, all three farms put a lot of effort into relationships, building up strong mutual respect with customers and also the public who live in the communities around the businesses.
They all demonstrated pride and professionalism by the bucketload.
Congratulations and good luck to everyone involved.