Categories

An award to recognise an individual's long standing dedication to the farming community. Judges would like to receive nominations for those that can demonstrate decades of service to agriculture either through operations, business or promotion/supporting initiatives for the farming community. 

• An overview of the individual’s achievements across the years and what makes them stand out from their peers

The coveted award of Farmer of the Year recognises inspiring individuals who have excelled in their field and are an incredible example for others to follow. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of the individual’s achievements and what makes them stand out from their peers
• Their plans for future 

Young farmers are the future of our industry so this award recognises those rising stars. It could be an apprentice, a student or someone who is already working full time on a farm that has demonstrated a passion for farming and excelling in what they do. All nominees should be under 35. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of the young person’s achievements and what makes them stand out from their peers
• Their plans for future 

Everyone knows someone who always goes above and beyond without asking for something in return. Be it a volunteer, an employee  or even a family member who is just always on hand to help out and get things done. Our judges are looking for nominations for those special people who you can’t do without and deserve a day  of recognition for all that they do. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your unsung hero and what makes them special and deserving of the award

A new award for 2024 to recognise the efforts of a promising young rider who may already be competing on a national and/or international level who is set to be a star of the future. Open to riders under 18. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of the young rider and their achievements to date

For businesses operating in the agri-food sector which have seen substantial growth in recent years and/or created new product lines to support in maintaining and/or growing their business. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business
• Evidence of your business growth / success
• Vision and plans for future growth

As demand for sourcing products as close to source continues, many Farm shops are thriving and many more are being launched to keep up with demand. This award recognises new businesses that have launched with an impressive record or established farm shops which continue to thrive year in year out. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business
• Evidence of your business growth / success
• Vision and plans for future growth

For a family business which operates within the farming sector. It could be a business that has been passed down through the generations or a new husband-wife startup which may well become a business which can be passed down in years to come. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business
• Evidence of your business growth / success
• Details or the roles each family member brings to the business and how that contributes to the success of the business
• Vision and plans for future growth

This category aims to recognise rural businesses that have identified an opportunity to grow through diversifying from their core business. Whether it is developing the farm to become a tourist attraction, or becoming an accommodation provider through the addition of glamping pods or even leasing land to wind farm developers…whatever the diversification is we want to hear about how it is helping your business. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business
• Evidence of the diversification and impact it has had
• Vision and plans for the future

Innovation is key for maintaining success in the farming sector, where it is implementing a new technology system, adapting new operational practices or a creative way to attract new customers. This award recognises those that are leading the way in developing their business to ensure it continues to thrive for years to come. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business
• Details of the innovation and impact it has had
• Vision and plans for the future

This award is specifically targeted at farms that are making a positive environmental impact. It could include maximising opportunities for carbon capture on farms, delivering good soil health or managing wetlands and other watercourses to minimise pollution risks. If climate considerations are key to your business then we are keen to hear about your success. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business
• Details of the sustainability practices that you implement and the impact that they have
• Vision and plans for the future

The award is open to any event which engages the farming community. There are so many fantastic agricultural shows…Show Jumping Championships, Charity Tractor Runs; Scarecrow Festivals, Ploughing Matches, Machinery Shows, Open Farm Days, Village Galas, Food Festivals and Family Music Festivals … to name a few! We want to hear about your favourite event that you won’t ever miss! Judges are looking for:

• An overview of the history of the event
• Details of the most recent event and the impact that it had
• Vision and plans for the future 

A new category for 2024 to recognise the valuable contribution that clubs and societies make to the farming community. These groups bring people together, offer support, manage events and raise valuable funds which can be so important, particularly in rural settings. Judges will be looking for:

• An overview of the society/club
• Details of who the society/club engages with
• Details of what makes the society/club stand out from the rest
• Vision and plans for the future 

A new category for 2024 to  recognise equestrian centres across the country. This category covers all types of businesses, whether the venue hosts major events, is setting the standards in training facilities or is taking an innovative approach to growing their customer base. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of your business/venue
• Details of what makes the venue stand out from the competition
• Vision and plans for the future

An award to recognise individuals, groups or organisations who have put health and safety at the forefront of what they do. You may be an individual that works tirelessly to promote health and safety or you may be a business which ensures that the health and wellbeing of your employees and animals is always maintained to the highest standards. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of the H&S initiative / programme
• How the H&S programme has been implemented and the impact it has had
• Vision and plans for the future 

The continued success of the sector is dependent on attracting talent, retaining and developing talent all of which can be impacted by strong training programmes. This category welcomes entries from individuals or companies who can demonstrate their understanding of the importance of training and the subsequent impact this has had on their business / workforce. Judges are looking for:

• An overview of the training initiative / programme
• How the training programme has been implemented and the impact it has had
• Vision and plans for the future