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Game Changers: Sally Shortall, the rural researcher
Rural researcher Prof Sally Shortall is changing the way women in farming are perceived – highlighting their often-overlooked yet critical importance to agriculture.
Her work on farming families – including how their values and decisions shape agricultural businesses – has won international recognition.
Game Changers – John and Paul Cherry, the regenerative farmers
Hertfordshire farmers John and Paul Cherry are at the forefront of UK regenerative farming – helping to propel it from a niche activity into the mainstream.
The annual Groundswell festival which they co-founded less than a decade ago has grown from a fringe two-day event for 450 farmers into a major fixture in the farming calendar – attracting more than 8,000 visitors.
Farmers Weekly 2024 Awards: Pig Farmer of the Year finalists
Three varied producers – an outdoor breeding unit, a tented nursery and an indoor finisher – all displaying sound business mind and a keen eye for detail.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Arable Farmer of the Year finalists
All three arable finalists are seeing success with their war on blackgrass and are extracting impressive yields from challenging soils.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Environmental Champion of the Year finalists
From tree planting and cutting carbon to reducing inputs and supporting rare species, our three Environmental Champion finalists are promoting biodiversity across their businesses.
Farmers Weekly Awards: Mixed Farmer of the Year finalists
This year’s Mixed Farmer of the Year finalists all run contrasting enterprises, yet share a dedication to produce quality food from home-grown inputs.
Farmers Weekly 2024: Livestock Adviser of the Year finalists
Worm resilience, a beef-to-dairy switch and forage use in cow diets are the three different focus areas of our finalists.
Game Changers: Janet Hughes, the civil servant
Janet Hughes, Defra’s director of farming and countryside, has been nominated for our special Game Changers Award, which will be announced at the Farmers Weekly Awards on 3 October 2024.
Farmers Weekly 2024: Farm Manager of the Year finalists
This year’s finalists run very different businesses, both demanding a wide range of skills, including the ability to adapt in sometimes challenging circumstances.
Game Changers: Rob Shepherd, the ecosystem innovator
In an age when society demands ever more from farmers, Rob Shepherd believes growers and livestock producers must be fairly rewarded for looking after the environment – as well as producing food.
Farmers Weekly 2024: Grassland Farmer of the Year finalists
Working within the constraints of people and place were strong themes this year. All three finalists had managed to make a grass-focused system work within unique conditions.
Farmers Weekly Awards: Meet the Dairy Farmer of the Year finalists
Three strong businesses demonstrate how planning, measuring and reviewing achieve excellent results on their dairy units – both financially and technically.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Ag Student of the Year finalists
This year’s finalists have all completed three jam-packed years at university, balancing their studies with other commitments on and off the farm.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Arable Adviser of the Year finalists
Strong work ethic, attention to detail and a deep passion for agronomy are qualities shared by all three finalists.
FW Awards: Meet the Young Farmer of the Year finalists
Sustainability, creativity and sharp business focus are shared by this year’s exceptional Young Farmer of the Year Award finalists.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Sheep Farmer of the Year finalists
This year’s finalists, all in their early 30s, show excellent will and stockmanship in their thriving operations.
Game Changers – Amy Jackson, farming media campaigner
Straight-talking Amy Jackson has built a well-deserved reputation for being the person to turn to when farming faces a crisis.
Game Changers: Jeff Claydon, agricultural engineer
Farming 350ha of heavy clay soil in Suffolk with his brother Frank since 1970, Jeff Claydon has built a successful global machinery brand that promises more efficient food production which is more profitable while benefiting the environment.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Poultry Farmer of the Year finalists
Technical innovation and a desire to meet society’s wider needs are shared objectives for this year’s three exceptional finalists.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Diversification Farmer of the Year finalists
Carefully calculated costings and ruthless efficiency are the two stand-out commonalities among this year’s Contractor of the Year finalists.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Beef Farmer of the Year finalists
It takes courage and vision to make radical changes to farming practices, but three beef producers have done that and built enterprises that are both profitable and environmentally responsible.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: Contractor of the Year finalists
Carefully calculated costings and ruthless efficiency are the two stand-out commonalities among this year’s Contractor of the Year finalists.
Game Changers: Cristobal Uauy, the plant scientist
Prof Cristobal Uauy has been nominated for our special Game Changers Award, which will be announced at Farmers Weekly Awards on 3 October 2024.
Cristobal’s laboratory and team of scientists are behind some of the most exciting recent developments in UK plant breeding – including traits which help protect wheat crops against pests and diseases.
Game Changers: Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, the diversity champion
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, also known as The Black Farmer, has been nominated for our special Game Changers Award, which will be announced at Farmers Weekly Awards on 3 October 2024.
The success of Wilfred’s TV work and marketing business meant that in 2000 he was finally able to purchase his own small farm on the Devon-Cornwall border, where he developed and launched The Black Farmer food brand.
Game Changers: Stephanie Berkeley, the farm safety campaigner
Farm safety campaigner Stephanie Berkeley is one of our Game Changer Award nominees.
As manager of the Farm Safety Foundation – also known as the Yellow Wellies charity – she strives to improve attitudes and behaviours to risk-taking and poor mental health among farmers under 40 years old.
Game Changers: Guy Singh-Watson, the vegetable box retailer
Devon farmer Guy Singh-Watson has been nominated for our special Game Changers Award, which will be announced at Farmers Weekly Awards on 3 October 2024.
Guy started delivering home-grown organic vegetables in a wheelbarrow to friends 30 years ago. Today, Riverford is a national veg box scheme with 70,000 weekly customers.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2024: The shortlist revealed
Read on to find out more about the 44 innovative farmers, entrepreneurial contractors, expert consultants and hard-working students who made our shortlist.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Farmer of the Year
Husband and wife Craig and Claire Grant are the 2023 Farmers Weekly‘s Farmer of the Year – a credit to their innovative farming practices and remarkable work appetite.
The couple are true pioneers within the farming industry.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Ag Student of the Year
Harry Davies of Hopes Ash Farm, Herefordshire, is Farmers Weekly’s 2023 Ag Student of the Year.
You can tell within a short time of speaking to Harry that he will be a leader in our industry. He has a brilliant mix of skill, knowledge, charisma and real humility.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Arable Farmer of the Year
Neil White of Greenknowe Farm, Berwickshire, is Farmers Weekly’s 2023 Arable Farmer of the Year.
In an area where ploughs and power harrows dominate, Neil White made the bold move to ditch his and adopt a strip-till system as he strives to be “profitable without subsidy.”
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Arable Adviser of the Year
Todd Jex of Agrii, Wiltshire, is Farmers Weekly 2023 Arable Adviser of the Year.
Todd Jex was taking his clients on a regenerative farming journey and embracing many of its principles long before the term became fashionable.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Beef farmer of the Year
Ian Farrant of Underley Farm, Herefordshire, is Farmers Weekly‘s 2023 Beef Farmer of Year.
A recent analysis commissioned by beef farmer Ian Farrant on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to his business describes the enterprise as “innovative and forward-thinking”.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Contractor of the Year
AJ Heywood & Sons of Springfield Meadow, Cornwall, is Farmers Weekly Contactor of the Year.
Brave investments in the latest forage harvesting and slurry spreading technology have given Kevin Heywood’s customers greater insights into their businesses than ever before.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Dairy Farmer of the Year
William Baillie of Hillhead Farm, Lanarkshire, is Farmers Weekly‘s 2023 Dairy Farmer of the Year.
William Baillie’s ability to be clear and focused on what he wants to do, combined with strong technical performance, attention to cow welfare and profitable farming, makes him our Dairy Farmer of the Year.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Diversification of the Year Farmer
Johnny and Clare Clapp, Red Linhay, Devon, are the 2023 Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmers of the Year.
Astrong business acumen and drive for progression have aided Johnny and Clare to built up a whole portfolio of diversified enterprises on their mixed farm in Devon.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Environmental Champion of the Year
Emma and James Loder-Symonds of Nonington Farms, Kent, are the 2023 Environmental Champion of the Year winners.
For Kent farmers Emma and James, soil health and biodiversity are at the heart of their regenerative cropping system, which has increased bird and insect numbers and drastically reduced the farm’s carbon footprint.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Farming Champion of the Year
Andy and Lynda Eadon of Napton, Warwickshire, are the 2023 Farmers Weekly Farming Champion of the Year.
Andy and Lynda have made a profound difference to the way people in the countryside think about mental health and have raised a vast amount for charity.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Farm Manager of the Year
William Haupt impressed the judges with his comprehensive management approach, taking a considered view of opportunities to enhance the business and reduce risk.
On his appointment in 2018, William undertook a full farm review and has led the resulting restructure, streamlining equipment to improve timeliness and attention to detail.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Grassland Manager of the Year
John Ritchie of Montalt Farm, Perthshire, is the 2023 Farmers Weekly Grassland Manager of the Year.
Improved grassland management has helped lift stocking rates at Montalt Farm by 40%, as well as deliver large reductions in feed and fertiliser.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Lifetime Achievement Award
John Thorley from Worcestershire has been involved in virtually every sector of farming, but it’s his contribution to the sheep industry that will be most enduring.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Livestock Adviser of the Year
Sara Pedersen of Farm Dynamics, Vale of Glamorgan, is the 2023 Farmers Weekly Livestock Adviser of the Year.
Veterinary consultant Sara Pedersen has assisted one dairy farmer in South Wales to cut lameness in his milking herd and win a valuable milking contract, which adds an extra £8,000 to his monthly milk cheque.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Mixed Farmer of the Year
Craig and Claire Grant of Kindrought, Aberdeenshire, are the 2023 Farmers Weekly Mixed Farmer of the Year winners.
The couple’s pioneering farm ideas, meticulous data collection and ambition to grow their business are testament to their farming passion.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Pig Farmer of the Year
Guy King of GSK Pigs, Norfolk, is the 2023 Farmers Weekly Pig Farmer of the Year.
When Guy King left school, he was earning £21/week on a youth training scheme while he learned the rudiments of pig husbandry.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Poultry Farmer of the Year
Nigel Edwards of Whittal Poultry, Court Barns, Herefordshire, is the 2023 Farmers Weekly Poultry Farmer of the Year.
Broiler production is renowned for its technical advances – from climate control to data management systems. But this is still no replacement for a watchful eye, a wealth of experience and outstanding stockmanship.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Sheep Farmer of the Year
David and Cora Cooper of Tardoes Farm, Ayrshire, are the 2023 Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year winners.
A need to make healthy profits each year to cover a mortgage and buy ground has driven David and Cora Cooper to devise one of the lowest-input sheep systems in Great Britain.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Young Farmer of the Year
In just a short few years since leaving college, Reuben Powell has built a business that champions high welfare and environmental consciousness, and retains his family’s farming values at heart.
Farmers Weekly Awards: 2023 shortlist announced
The 2023 Farmers Weekly Awards finalists have been chosen. Read on to find out more about the 45 innovative farmers, entrepreneurial contractors, expert consultants and hard-working students that made our shortlist.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Dairy Farmer of the Year finalists
This year’s finalists run contrasting systems with herds ranging from 270 to 400 cows, but all three are actively setting targets and are keen to adopt new ideas, analyse data and use technology to develop their businesses.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Farm Manager of the Year finalists
All three farm manager finalists have responsibility for very different large, complex businesses. They have all also managed much change in their roles.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Environmental Champion of the Year finalists
The winner of this award, chosen from the finalists in the other Awards categories, is the farmer judged to have made the most positive impact on the wider environment and the sustainability of their farming activities.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Young Farmer of the Year finalists
Shouldering responsibility from a young age, this year’s finalists all share an entrepreneurial spirit and business instincts.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Pig Farmer of the Year finalists
An outdoor breeding setup, a tented nursery and an indoor breeder-finisher were competing for top spot this year.
While their units varied widely, the three finalists shared a determination to succeed based on business acumen and attention to detail.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Arable Farmer of the Year finalists
All three arable finalists have reduced their cultivations and focused on soil health to future-proof their businesses.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Beef Farmer of the Year finalists
Our three finalists have developed their enterprises to improve farm biodiversity, bolster herd health through the use of data and genetics, and extend cow longevity with a focus on easy calving.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Mixed Farmer of the Year finalists
The 2023 Farmers Weekly Mixed Farmer of the Year finalists demonstrate a commitment to producing quality British produce, with an impressive handle on costs.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Poultry Farmer of the Year finalists
Egg producers often dominate in the Poultry Farmer of the Year category of the Farmers Weekly Awards, but this year’s finalists all come from the meat side of the industry, both intensive and free range.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Livestock Adviser of the Year finalists
A drive to improve the health of the nation’s dairy herds, enhance sustainability and cut carbon emission was a central theme for all this year’s finalists as they sought to increase the efficiency of milk production.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Arable Adviser of the Year finalists
The judges were impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism and drive of the finalists in the Arable Adviser of the Year category.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Grassland Manager of the Year finalists
A passion to impart grassland wisdom to fellow farmers and improve business resilience is driving this year’s three Farmers Weekly Grassland Manager finalists to maximise grazed grass and experiment with mixed species leys.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Contractor of the Year finalists
The finalists showed a keen eye for detail, considered investment plans and a focus on staff management – the hallmarks of three very different businesses jostling for this year’s Contractor of the Year title.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Sheep Farmer of the Year finalists
Tailoring working patterns, nutrition, and genetics around the constraints of landscape and staffing were strong themes this year from three sheep systems strongly focused on cost cutting.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Ag student of the Year finalists
This year’s finalists radiate passion for the future of the sector and demonstrate strong academic achievements through hard work.
Each of them is a brilliant example of how seizing every opportunity, especially those outside of their comfort zones, can bring great rewards.
Farmers Weekly Awards 2023: Diversification Farmer of the Year finalists
This year’s diversification finalists all share a strong entrepreneurial mindset which has allowed them to find ways to add value to their overall farming businesses through new opportunities and innovation.
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The Farmers Weekly Awards is the most prestigious awards in the agriculture industry, recognising farmers' achievements across the country. Join us in celebrating farming and put farmers centre stage.