The British Farming Awards returns for 2023 and is now open for entries and nominations as we aim to shine a light on the phenomenal work taking place across the industry and the driving forces behind it.
Supported by Morrisons, farming’s much respected event – the British Farming Awards – is back for its 11th year and will celebrate the diversity and resilience of UK farmers and their businesses.
Alongside our core farming sectors – arable, beef, dairy, sheep and beef – we also recognise the importance of sustainable farming practices and innovations within the digital and agritech arenas.
The awards also champion the role of family farms, new entrants and agricultural students – all of which are vital to the future of the industry.
Positive changes
The awards also welcome nominations of businesses which have introduced positive changes, streamlined production and efficiency, and adapted structures to tackle ongoing challenges presented by policy, legislation, the environment and volatile global commodity markets.
Sophie Throup, head of agriculture, fisheries and sustainable sourcing at Morrisons, says:
“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 are pleased to once again be supporting the British Farming Awards, recognising the effort, care, innovation and skills British farmers put into making and providing the food we are all proud of.
WORD FROM THE EDITOR
We know the UK is home to some of the best and brightest farming talent in the world.
From its rich history in technology and innovation, its place in feeding an ever-growing population and, of course, nurturing our natural world – there are infinite reasons to be proud of.
That is why we believe our British Farming Awards are so important; to celebrate the talent, the ingenuity and the often-unsung heroes in our sector.
Of course, the awards are much more than that – as well as helping to communicate farming’s fantastic stories to the wider public, the evening is a chance to enjoy an evening of celebration among farming peers and collectively mark each other’s achievements.
As with any busy job, it is difficult to appreciate how far you have come until you take a step back. But the awards are a chance to do just that.
Many of our previous entrants credited the application process as offering a chance to reflect and think objectively about their business or product and what opportunity and success looks like for a happy future.
After another challenging year, it is more important than ever to take stock and come together to enjoy a world-class industry and the people behind it who make it tick and go that extra mile.
Olivia Midgley, Editor of Farmers Guardian
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BRITISH AGRICULTURE
This prestigious award is designed to recognise one individual’s dedication to the farming industry.
Innovation
The award is given to a member of the agricultural industry who has worked tirelessly for UK farming, either through delivering innovation, championing the needs for fellow farmers, spearheading change and/or promoting the industry to the wider public.
You can nominate someone you feel is working tirelessly for UK farming. They will not be notified that they have been nominated unless they are chosen as the winner of the award.
This award is chosen by the British Farming Awards team and announced during the awards night.
FLYING THE FLAG FOR BRITISH AGRICULTURE
This award recognises an individual or group of people who are flying the flag for British agriculture by making a positive difference across the agricultural industry.
They may be campaigning about a specific cause or issue and/or raising positive awareness about the role of farming to the public.
You can nominate someone you feel is flying the flag for British agriculture. They will not be notified that they have been nominated unless they are chosen as the winner of the award.
Awards night
This award is chosen by the British Farming Awards team and announced during the awards night.
PREVIOUS WINNERS HAVE THEIR SAY
We couldn’t quite believe someone had nominated us for the award, but it is nice to know other people see what we see for the business and its future
James and Emma Loder-Symonds, Nonnington Farms, Kent
Winner of Arable Farmer of the Year at last year’s British Farming Awards
Social media helps us to sell that story to the public. These awards are shouting about what the industry is doing and telling good news stories
Ewan Irvine and Emma Gray, Sheepdog School, Argyll and Bute
Winner of Digital Innovator of the Year and Diversification (small to medium) at last year’s British Farming Awards
There are a lot of people – colleagues and family – who are also responsible [for this win] and who have given me huge support throughout my career
Phil Stocker, Chief executive of the National Sheep Association
Winner of last year’s Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture