Britain's best farmers celebrated at British Farming Awards

The British Farming Awards has revealed this year's 18 winners at the annual event, held at the Vox, Birmingham. Britain's farming industry came together in their hundreds last night to celebrate the achievements of individuals at the British Farming Awards.

Sponsored by Morrisons and organised by Farmers Guardian, the event was attended by more than 800 farmers and industry professionals from across the UK.

British Farming Award winners

Back for its eleventh year, the British Farming Awards celebrated pioneering farmers across all sectors who were leading in areas of technology, science, food production and sustainability.

Alongside farming's core sectors including - dairy, beef, sheep and arable - there was also recognition for students, family farms, new entrants, nature-friendly businesses and the huge number of diversifications, which are now so crucial to many businesses. 

Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture

Kicking off the evening was the Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture, which was awarded to the Tenant Farming Association's Chief Executive George Dunn.
Mr Dunn has worked his way up the ranks to become a much admired and respected leader who represents farmers and growers who do not own the land they operate in England and Wales since it was founded in 1981.

In his role he has lobbied and tirelessly campaigned on the major issues affecting farmers and has been instrumental in advising the government on how schemes can better support the tenanted sector as farming moves forward in the future.

Listen now: George Dunn speaks to Farmers Guardian after scooping British Farming Award

Mr Dunn is a member of numerous organisations including the Royal Countryside Fund Farm Advisory Group, Farming Community Network, serving as chairman of the charity and the National Trust's Rural Enterprise Panel. o diversified into weddings and catering.

Farmers Guardian Flying the Flag for British Agriculture

The winner of this year's Farmers Guardian's Flying the Flag for British Agriculture is the Nicholson family from Cannon Hall Farm. The formidable team welcome more than 1million visitors across its multifunctional site comprising a working farm, adventure playgrounds, farm shop and three restaurants.

Their commitment to educating consumers about where their food comes from and the role of British farmers is exemplary with their daily, live broadcasts about looking after animals and connecting people with nature earning them a Point of Light award.

Sophie Throup, Technical and Sustainability Director, Manufacturing, Morrisons, said:  

"As long term supporters of British farming, we want to thank farmers across the country for the work they continue to do in these challenging times. We recognise the effort, care, innovation and skills which British farmers put into making and providing food we are all proud of."

For more information about the winners, finalists and awards evening, visit www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk

Agricultural Student of the Year

Naomi Ramsay

Scotland's Rural College

Isla Soutter

Harper Adams University

Agri-Tech Innovator of the Year

James Duke

A.D.F. Milking, Sussex

Dr Vincent Martinez

Dyneval, Midlothian

Arable Farmer of the Year

Ed Horton

S.S Horton and Sons, Gloucestershire

Colin Chappell

Chappell Farms, Northamptonshire

Beef Farmer of the Year

Greg and Rowan Pickstock

G. and D. Pickstock, Powys

Helen Parr and Daniel Fabb

D.R.A. Contractors, Cambridgeshire