YAS farming enterprise awards - recognising agricultural excellence
Entries are being sought for the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s flagship agricultural competition – the annual Farming Enterprise Awards.
The Awards, which were re-vamped last year, accommodate the changing face of agriculture -namely the growth of diversification - as well as the traditional farm categories. There is a total of £2,800 in prize money on offer (£250 for first prize winners) with sponsorship kindly provided by property consultants, FPDSavills and the Yorkshire Bank.
Nigel Pulling, Chief Executive said: “The Awards have been running successfully for many years with the aim of encouraging and recognising good farming practice. One of the highlights of the Great Yorkshire Show is always the Awards ceremony which provides a superb opportunity for acknowledging the best of the best in the industry. Entry to the various classes is free and I would encourage all farmers in the region to consider entering.”
He continued: “As an industry we need to shout about our expertise and the high standards of British farming. We need to hammer home the message that British agriculture and British farming is the best in the world. What better place to do this than the Great Yorkshire Show.” Dates for the event are Tuesday 13 – Thursday 15 July when more than 120,000 visitors are expected to attend. The Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 14 July and prizes will be presented by the Society’s President, Richard Howard-Vyse.
The Farming Awards have three classes which will be judged prior to the event. The category for the best farm over 1,000 and under 1,000 acres will evaluate management of the whole enterprise, although accounts will not be examined. For the best farm with conservation class, the judges will look for a well run farm where conservation is an integral part of the operation. The winner will automatically be entered for the prestigious FWAG Silver Lapwing Award. In the section for the best farmer or farm manager (35 years and under) the judges will be looking for the potential leaders of tomorrow. “If you know of someone whose farming you admire, then do put them forward,” said Mr Pulling. “We have had some superb entries and winners in the past, and I am sure this year will continue those high standards.”
The Society is keen to promote the use of good regional food and within the Enterprise Awards there are classes for the best farm shop, as well as the best alternative enterprise and the best farm attraction. Successfully introduced for the first time last year, the aim is to give credit to those who are introducing new income streams which will not only benefit their own businesses, but also help to strengthen the rural economy as a whole.
Further details can be found on the Society’s web site: www.yas.co.uk or contact Christine Johnson at the Society’s offices on 01423 541000. A copy of the Farming Enterprise Awards Schedule is available on request.
