BE part of the Cumbria Farmer Awards 2021 journey.

The 2021Cumbria Farmer Awards will bring together some of the county’s most outstanding farmers and food producers, along with leading figures in the industry.

After much consideration, we decided to postpone the Cumbria Farmer Awards Night to January 29, 2021 due to the risk of coronavirus.

This decision has been made after consultation with our many sponsors and those involved with the Awards, who expressed concern that holding the event could create a risk to all our guests due to possible exposure to the virus. The health and safety of all our guests is our upmost concern and we must take the lead from those who support us the most.

The closing date for nominations will now be Wednesday September 30, 2020.

Entries are still being sought for the 12 categories now open for nominations and entries, which can also be made online at www.newsandstar.co.uk/farmerawards/ before the new closing date.

The search to find farming’s unsung heroes is organised in partnership with Carlisle-based business advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson, who are also sponsoring a further category, the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the drinks reception

Our expert judging panel is headed by Andrew Robinson, partner and head of agriculture and farming at Armstrong Watson, who will be partnered in the search to find farming’s unsung heroes, by Alistair Mackintosh, west Cumbrian beef and sheep farmer and chairman of Red Tractor Assurance, as well as the National Farmers Union Cumbrian council delegate; Ian Bowness, Aspatria dairy farmer and NFU county chairman’; Agricultural Partner at David Allen Accountants in Dalston, Michael Peile; Julia Aglionby, Armathwaite farmer and Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land; Lois Mansfield, Professor of Upland Landscapes, and Director of Ambleside Campus; Sharon Sloan, Lely Center Longtown general manager; Robert Craig, Nuffield Scholar and Armathwaite dairy farmer; Heather Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager at H&H, based in Carlisle and Adam Day, Managing Director of The Farmer Network, based in Penrith.

Our host for the evening is John Wharton, Cumbrian farmer and Livestock Manager and Auctioneer at Mitchell’s Auction Mart in Cockermouth and former Cumberland Show chairman for two years, who is sponsored by David Allen Accountants at Dalston.

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards dinner at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton on Friday, January 29 2021 when entertainment will be provided by the popular Cumbrian band, the Soul Survivors. “We are very excited to be holding the inaugural Cumbria farmers awards 2021,” said manager, Malcolm Scott.

The Greenhill hotel was built in 1804 as a private residence. Now family owned and run by Wayne & Kaye Jackson. This well known Cumbrian landmark is one of the counties favourite places to eat, drink and sleep. They have 12 guestrooms and a number of areas for dining, from cosy candlelight for two, birthday, anniversary, baby shower, christening and Christmas celebrations….and of course weddings.

Alongside farming’s core sectors – dairy, beef, sheep and machinery – there is also a celebration of talented youngsters coming into the industry and a reminder of the contribution rural businesses are making to the county’s tourism, textile, wedding, retail and wildlife sectors, to name just a few.

Vanessa Sims, Newsquest Cumbria’s regional group editor, said: “With so much change and uncertainty characterising the current era of agriculture, the Cumbria Farmer Awards are a timely celebration of all that is best in the Cumbrian countryside – the drive and creativity that underpins the county’s economic and social life.”

Andrew Robinson, partner and head of agriculture and farming at Armstrong Watson, will head the respected panel of judges.

“When I heard about the opportunity to partner with Newsquest and bring to the county new awards for the farming and agriculture sector, it was important that Armstrong Watson was the first to put their hands up and support the initiative by becoming the lead sponsor,” said Andrew, a farmer’s son, born and bred on a large hill farm in north Cumbria.

“Farming is going through significant change, and, as a firm of accountants and business and financial advisers, we know only too well how important the sector is. Having something that truly celebrates all the work within this sector in light of current challenges is a good thing. We are proud to help fly the flag for UK farming.

“To have such an event that celebrates and recognises all the hard work from the people, the communities they serve and the passion they have hits the heart of what we do.”

Stephen McCullough, Armstrong Watson business development and marketing director, added: “Partnering with Newsquest is a perfect fit for our business, and as the long-term main sponsor of Farmer titles across the county I knew we had to support the awards.”

Other category sponsors so far are Dalston accountants, David Allen, who is sponsoring the Young Farmers’ Club of the Year award, and supporting the host on the night. “We are proud to be supporting these awards that will highlight all the hard work and successes of our farmers,” said David Allen.

Contractor of the Year and Dairy Farmer of the Year are sponsored by Carlisle-based Carrs Billington. The animal feed, agricultural supplies and machinery business has a long association with the rural communities it serves. Managing director Mark Cole said: “We are committed to supporting our farmers, so are well aware of the hard work, talent and innovation across the whole sector."

The Farming Champion category is sponsored by the National Farmers Union (NFU). NFU Cumbria county chairman Ian Bowness said: “Celebrating our Cumbrian farming champions is more important now than at any other time in recent farming history.”

The Land and Environmental Award is sponsored by the University of Cumbria. Lois Mansfield, said: “We are delighted to sponsor the Land and Environmental Award, supporting what is a critical element of our county’s economy and society, which has shaped the landscape we all cherish.

Other sponsors include Livestock Farmer of the Year, Carlisle-based H&H Group; Agricultural Student or Rural Skills Award, Red Tractor Assurance; Tenant Farmer of the Year, National Trust Cumbria, and Against All Odds category sponsored by Lely Center of Longtown.

A statement from Lely said: “Having spent the last 10 years in business helping farmers to develop their businesses through automation, we are thrilled to sponsor Against All Odds designed to identify and reward others who have successfully embraced innovation and demonstrated that sheer determination to succeed.”

To enter the awards or to nominate an individual who deserves recognition for their efforts, see the nomination form opposite.