The finalists of the South West Farmer Awards 2021 have been announced.

The judging panel of industry experts had a challenge as the quality was outstanding.

However, they agreed that the following farmers have excelled - especially commendable given the challenges of the past 18 months.

The finalists are:

Family Run Farm of the Year - sponsored by Shearwell Data Livestock Systems

  • Liz and Marcus Warner, Henland Farm, Kentisbeare
  • The Vanstone Family, Milford, Rhude and Lanawood Farms, Holsworthy
  • Brian and Jane Down, Manor Farm, Gillingham

Sheep Farmer of the Year

  • Mark and Belinda Raymond with Jenny Rearden, Neville Farm, near Yeovil
  • Chris and Victoria Eveleigh, West Ilkerton Farm, Lynton
  • Daniel Balment, Stoodleigh Barton Farm, near Barnstaple 

 

Dairy Farmer of the Year - sponsored by Mole Valley Country Stores

  • The team at Bridgewater & Taunton College, Cannington Campus, Rodway Farm, near Bridgewater
  • Wills Brothers, Pawton Dairy, Wadebridge
  • Ian Disney, Loatmead Dairy Farming Ltd, Holsworthy

Beef Farmer of the Year - sponsored by Harpers Feeds

  • Jake Gregory, Kerling Farm, Truro
  • Mark Ellacott, Eversfield Organic Farm, near Okehampton

Sustainable Farming Award

  • David Oates, Rosuick Farm, near Helston
  • James Lee, Uppincott Farm, near Crediton

Diversification Award

  • Abi Williamson, Newhouse Farm, near Gillingham
  • Matt and Pippa Smith, Trefranck Farm, near Launceston
  • Cornish Farm Dairy team, Greymare Farm, Lostwithiel

Young Farmer of the Year - sponsored by Coodes Solicitors

  • Emily Fleur, near Okehampton
  • Ben Goulding, near Weston-super-Mare
  • Harry Dibble, near Taunton

Apprentice of the Year - sponsored by The Cornwall College Group

  • Daniel Phythian, near Exeter
  • Lee James, Halwill

Outstanding Achievement - sponsored by Cornish Mutual

  • Gemma Smale Rowland, South Hellescott Farm, near Launceston
  • Kevin Heywood, Marhamchurch, near Bude
  • Chris McWhirter, Lower Farm, near Barnstaple

The winners will be announced at the South West Farmer Awards ceremony at the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at Somerset County Cricket Ground on Thursday, November 11.

It's a glitzy evening of celebration with farmers and their families getting together for a drinks reception and a black-tie dinner.

If you would like to join in the celebration of the best farmers in the south west, tickets for farmers, their friends and families are just £15 and can be booked here.

If you and your colleagues would like to join in a corporate capacity, please call Roland Ebert on 01326 213322.