A new award has been launched in the South West Farmer Awards.

The Apprentice of the Year award will allow younger members of agricultural teams to be recognised for their contribution to the team.

Sponsored by Bicton College and Duchy College, the award will recognise the dedication and enthusiasm that young people are bringing to the industry.

Passion for the job and a keenness to learn are key.

Being a team player, communicating effectively and taking responsibility for their actions are vital.

Whether they’re learning to manage livestock or crops, the Apprentice of the Year is making an impressive contribution to the farm and the team.

The new award is a chance to celebrate their growing skills and achievements.

This year it is even easier to nominate a farmer for a South West Farmer Award.

The only details that are needed is who should be recognised and why, together with their contact details.

The new slimline form is online here.

There are nine categories:

Apprentice of the Year

Sheep Farmer of the Year

Beef Farmer of the Year

Dairy Farmer of the Year

Family-Run Farm of the Year

Sustainable Farming Award

Innovation Award

Young Farmer of the Year

Outstanding Achievement

Overall, we want to recognise the achievements of farmers who are putting in the extra mile.

The awards ceremony is a smart black-tie dinner at Somerset County Cricket Ground in November.

A three course dinner precedes the announcement of the winners and presentation of awards.

It will be fantastic to get together again, to have a date in the diary - and to have a reason to dress up!

For more information on the awards, please call Roland Ebert on 01326 213322.

To nominate a farmer for an award, click here.