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Forward-thinking dairy farmers are invited to enter this year's South West Dairy Farmer competition, organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society.

The prestigious award attracts a high level of entries from farmers across the region, competing to win the coveted trophy and prize of £1,000. All entrants receive free tickets to the specialist Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground on October 1, 2008, and short-listed entries receive complimentary tickets to the Dairy Industry Dinner held of the eve of the show.

"Dairying continues to face a number of challenges and this competition aims to highlight those dairy farmers in the South West who are best prepared to meet these challenges and who can demonstrate an innovative and profitable way ahead," says Allen Cotton, a council member of the society who helps run the competition.

Sponsored by Milk Link and Clydesdale Bank, the competition is open to all farm businesses in Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Gloucestershire, whose income is mainly derived from milk production.

All finalists will be visited by the panel of judges, comprising Paul Charlton of Milk Link, Mark Gendall of Clydesdale Bank, and retired veterinary surgeon Peter Clark. They will tour each farm, discuss farming plans and policies with the families and analyse the dairy costings and accounts provided by each business.

"The judges will be looking for commitment to the dairy business, focusing on clear objectives, and will want to see the benefits of decision making while maintaining simple, practical and environmentally friendly farming practices," says Mr Cotton.

Alan and Donna Webber, of Hensley Farm, East Worlington, Devon, won last year's competition with their organic, New-Zealand style system. He said: "It was very exciting to win - a great achievement which rewarded all the work we had put into the business."

Entry forms for this year's competition are available online at www.bathandwest.com, by telephone on 01749 822 2000, or by post from the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN.

The closing date for entries is June 30.

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