FARMERS from across Dorset and the South West are being invited to take part in the farming awards.
The South West Farmer Awards 2017 are returning after its highly successful event last year.
The awards celebrate all that the farming industry in this part of the country has to offer and gives the farming industry in the south west a chance to stand up and be recognised with an emphasis on future and forward-thinking farmers.
Supported by industry experts, the event gives local farmers, suppliers, breeders and everyone involved in the industry the recognition they deserve for the tremendous work they do throughout the year.
Organised by South West Farmer newspaper, which has been serving the farming community in the south west for more 30 years, in association with Cornish Mutual, the event will be held on November 2, 2017.
It will be held at the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, Somerset.
Alan Goddard, managing director of south west rural insurance company, Cornish Mutual, said: “We are delighted to support the South West Farmer Awards once again.
"Last year’s awards evening was a fantastic celebration of the dedication and passion of the rural community that keeps the industry thriving.
"For more than 100 years we have been committed to supporting the region’s farming community and we remain faithful to our rural roots, which is why we feel initiatives like this are so important."
South West Farmer editor Paul Armstrong added: “The awards recognise the immense contribution farmers in the south west make to the UK economy and their local community. Farmers are at the forefront of cutting edge technology and innovation and we want to reflect that pride in our region."
Categories this year include:
n Farmhand of the Year
n Organic Farmer of the Year
n Innovation Award
n Farm Manager of the Year
n Sheep Farmer of the Year
n Beef Farmer of the Year
n Dairy Farmer of the Year
n Arable Farmer of the Year
n Outstanding Achievement of the Year
n Green Farmer of the Year
n Family Run Farm of the Year
n Young Farmer of the Year
n Farmhand of the Year
n Organic Farmer of the Year
n Innovation Award
Each category nominee will have to meet set criteria, including enterprise performance, use of technology, environmental considerations, contribution to the community/agricultural industry and vision/marketing strategy.
Other sponsors include Coodes Solicitors, Mole Valley and New Generation.
To nominate for any of the above categories simply fill in the nomination form in the paper or online at southwestfarmer.co.uk/awards and either send it to South West Farmer Awards nominations 2017, South West Farmer Newspaper, Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, TR11 4SZ or e-mail to editorial@southwestfarmer.co.uk
The closing date for nominations is Friday, September 1
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