Time to nominate your Northern Farmers of the year

Recent years have seen unprecedented challenges for the industry, which is more reason than ever to come together to celebrate the dedication and achievements of farmers from across the north of England.

Nominations for the 2023 awards are now open ahead of the judging process and the big night itself. The winners will be chosen by our judging panel, who will then vote in a secret ballot to choose our overall winner – The Northern Farmer of the Year.

Our live event will once again held at Pavilions of Harrogate in February 2023, on a date yet to be confirmed.

There are ten categories, with awards being offered for each one:

Farm Manager of the Year;

Sheep Farmer of the Year;

Beef Farmer of the Year;

Dairy Farmer of the Year;

Arable Farmer of the Year;

Family-run Farm of the Year;

Diversification of the Year;

Young Farmer of the Year;

Outstanding Achievement of the Year;

Women in Agriculture.

Northern Farmer editor Hannah Chapman said: "Since their launch in 2013, our awards have grown steadily in size and quality, and we're thrilled to be marking the tenth anniversary next year.

The Northern Farmer Awards 2022 held at The Pavilions in Harrogate. Event host Wendy Gibson. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

"The night is always a great celebration of the whole farming industry at a time when it's never been more important to come together as one – and give those doing so much to keep our nation fed a well-deserved platform to showcase their hard work and ingenuity.

"If you know of someone who is deserving of recognition in any of our categories, please don’t hesitate – get your nominations in sooner rather than later.”

The 400 guests at the 2022 awards saw Ed Andrew and family of the Our Cow Molly brand, announced as the overall Northern Farmer of the Year by Sam Holdstock of principal sponsor Mole Country Stores, which have supported the awards since their inception in 2013.

Ed Andrew, overall Northern Farmer of the Year for 2022

Ed, who had earlier been named Dairy Farmer of the Year, farms a 90-strong herd of Holstein Friesian crosses at Dungworth on the edge of Sheffield, and has built up the Our Cow Molly brand to the extent that it now delivers fresh milk direct to customers, including 20 coffee shops run by the University of Sheffield, and has a wide range of ice cream flavours on sale. Six years ago they invested in a new milk processing plant and now process and use 100 per cent of the milk they produce, and also take milk from another two local dairy farms.

How to make a nomination

You can email your nomination to promotions@nne.co.uk

Nominate online by clicking here

Or scan the QR code with your smart phone to take you to the form

QR code for nominations

All entries must be received by Friday, September 23 at 12pm.

Category criteria

Sheep Farmer of the Year

This award recognises the skills of a sheep farmer who has demonstrated a comprehensive approach to the management of their flock which includes consideration of the breeding programme, selection of rams, parasitic control, grassland management, rationing protocols and measures of performance. In addition, they will have a clear understanding of their costs, a marketing approach to selling their animals and a strategy for the future development of the business. The business will also be able to demonstrate/refer to external advice and services used to support the business.

Family Run Farm of the Year

We want to recognise the families who are the heart of Northern farming. As a family unit through generations, you will have developed a sustainable business, securing your family’s place in Northern farming for years to come. You will have kept up with family traditions, but also created new ways of farming which allow you to compete in a changing environment. You will credit your teamwork as a unit as pivotal to your success.

Young Farmer of the Year

Being creative, innovative and forward thinking are strong qualities in young farmers and this category aims to recognise and reward those who have achieved positive results from new ideas and making changes. This can be anything from new ways to increase productivity, diversification or making a positive impact on their local community. It is the next generation who will shape our future in farming.

The Northern Farmer Awards 2022 held at The Pavilions in Harrogate. The Awards. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Diversification Award

This category is open to people who are working to create a more diverse environment and to improve and enhance the countryside, with consequent benefits to wildlife, while farming their land in an effective and progressive way and maintaining a viable business. Judges are likely to be interested in such aspects of farm/land management as running environmentally based schemes (for example, sustainable tree planting, traditional hay meadows) and also educational initiatives. Entrants may also highlight examples of collaborative projects involving outside organisations, including bodies which provide funding for environmental improvements.

Dairy Farmer of the Year

We are looking for a dairy farmer that can fulfil the following criteria; a forward looking farmer who knows where he/she wants to be in five to ten years and how they are going to get there, and who looks to innovation to help bring these objectives to life. We want to see evidence of thinking outside the box in terms of dairying and farming in general. Our winner will understand the importance they play as dairy farmers in their community and the wider reach.

Farm Manager of the Year

Managing a farm or estate for a business or an individual has become more challenging over the years, with volatility now a part of everyday life and a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, just two of the issues to be managed. The successful winner of the Farm Manager of the Year category will need to demonstrate how they manage, develop and motivate staff on farm to see the opportunities that exist in this changing landscape. The successful farm manager will have excellent financial, operational and people management skills.

The Northern Farmer Awards 2022 held at The Pavilions in Harrogate. Event host Wendy Gibson. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH

Arable Farmer of the Year

This award will identify an arable farmer who can demonstrate a clear vision for the future with a management strategy for the business, which incorporates a detailed understanding of costs and an investment plan. The category winner will need to define how they have managed resources and delivered efficiencies to the business and improved quality and profit. The business will also demonstrate a marketing approach which considers different elements of the supply chain and can demonstrate how they are helping to protect the environment, through participation in recognised environmental schemes.

Outstanding Achievement Award

This category is open to nominations for those demonstrating an outstanding achievement in the agricultural industry. We want to recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to farming and can evidence this with proven success. For example, you may know someone who has a highly successful business and deserves to be recognised for their innovations and achievements. Alternatively, it may be somebody who is forward thinking and has seen positive results by demonstrating the very best in farming practices?

Beef Farmer of the Year

This award recognises the skills of a beef farmer who has a clear and progressive business plan and has in place programmes and policies for the management of health livestock for breeding, rearing and finishing, coupled with a strong grassland and forage management strategy. The business will also demonstrate a well-defined marketing approach, with added value a key component clearly evident. The use of professional advice and services should also be obvious.

Women in Agriculture

An award celebrating the achievements of women in agriculture in the North of England. This category is open to women working on farms and in agriculture-related businesses. Achievements can be anything from successfully implementing technical or environmental improvements on farm, to developing a novel idea or initiative from within the agricultural and food sectors. The award seeks to recognise the impact of female farming pioneers in inspiring other women in the industry.

The Northern Farmer Awards 2022 held at The Pavilions in Harrogate. Winner of the Women in Agriculture Award, Kate Dale, presented by Andrew Grainger of Vencomatic. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH