Hear from the experts – our 2019 Sheep Innovator judges…
With just 3 days to go until entries close for the 2019 British Farming Awards, we spoke to the past Sheep Innovator judges for some last minute tips and advice.
If you’re not afraid to embrace sound advice and research or have put your experience at the forefront of successfully innovating your sheep business, we want to hear from you!
Find out more about the Sheep Innovator of the Year category here.
Want to get your farming business in front of these fantastic industry experts?
There’s still time to enter – you can start your entry here and even come back to it the next day to finish it off!
Why do you think it’s important to recognise and celebrate your category within the agricultural industry?
My category is “sheep innovator of the year” and I’m really thrilled to be judging this. Sheep often graze on land which is not easily utilised by other sectors and this sometimes makes innovation a challenge. Yet there are fantastic examples of creative thinking, innovation and dedication within this sector and that makes it even more important to recognise, celebrate and be proud of this category’s achievements. Understandably, farmers learn best from each other and I sincerely hope that sharing ideas through these awards will continue to inspire further innovation within the sheep sector.
Why should people get excited about the British Farming Awards?
Agriculture plays a big role in our economy and rural business but it’s also plays a hugely significant role in shaping the landscape of Britain – we should be proud of our heritage. The awards are an opportunity to showcase just how dedicated our farmers are and how important they are to Britain.
Many of the awards celebrate innovation, why is this important to the development of agriculture?
Innovation is a key part of any business and agricultural businesses are no exception. With an increasing world population, environmental pressures and climate change, innovation in agriculture plays a pivotal role in the challenges ahead. These include, sustainable food security and safeguarding both our environment and the health and welfare of livestock.
Why can entering awards help grow as a business and also as an individual?
Awards give recognition to the efforts of individuals and their businesses. Winning (or being shortlisted) acts as a third party endorsement for products and services which can be used to attract new customers. It also reinforces the loyalty of existing customers and may be attractive to investors. They’re therefore really valuable.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing agriculture? And how can the industry overcome them?
Good questions. There are a number of big challenges and they all relate to uncertainties over the future – climate change, control of endemic diseases, resistance to veterinary medicines, workforce availability, changing consumer perceptions and of course (dare I mention) the B word. How can we overcome all these challenges? By looking at the business with fresh eyes, embracing simple tools and technologies and reviewing costs which enable you to plan ahead and make the business more resilient to change. Farmers learn best from each other, and the wider industry has a role in facilitating this knowledge exchange.
What will you be looking for when reviewing the entries for the British Farming Awards? What would make an entry stand out to you?
I’ll be looking for an entry that shows me that this person really understands their business, has a clear goal(s) and is embracing tools and technologies (even simple ones) to help them achieve that goal. If they’re encouraging other farmers along the way through farmer groups – even better.
As for standing out, I remember someone once giving me some advice on applications which has always stuck with me. They said to always keep the person reviewing the application in mind. Imagine that they’re reading your application late at night, after a long day and their task is to reduce the huge pile of applications to a shortlisted few. Therefore the first couple of sentences of any application should “hook” the person into reading more, get them excited and get you onto the shortlisted pile. A bit like a good book that you can’t put down.
Whilst I won’t be reading these late at night after a long day, the advice I would give to anyone writing an entry is to capture the judges’ attention in your first few lines and make them want to read more.
Why do you think it’s important to recognise and celebrate your category within the agricultural industry?
Recognising innovators in the sheep industry is very important to take the industry to the next level. Embracing technology and including the next generation is critical for the safeguarding of the industry we’re all passionate about.
Why should people get excited about the British Farming Awards?
It’s a great night of real farmers getting together swapping ideas, chewing the fat and enjoying a well deserved night off. Listening to great speakers who are motivational and inspirational.
Many of the awards celebrate innovation, why is this important to the development of agriculture?
Innovation is critical in moving the industry forward. Using technology embraces the next generation. Mr Dad’s favourite Saying is “If things are made easier things get done”
Why can entering awards help grow as a business and also as an individual
Entering the awards raises your profile and gets you talking to more like minded people, who you can always learn something from. Promoting and championing farming ,to the wider public, in general is so important it get our message across that Uk farming is the most sustainable in the world.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing agriculture? And how can the industry overcome them?
Bad Public perception at the moment is something we are facing. We need to get our message out how fantastic agriculture is in this country. Inviting schools, clubs and anyone who wants to look what we’re doing onto ours farms is critical to our industry. Show them what we’re doing and how we’re doing it.
What will you be looking for when reviewing the entries for the British Farming Awards? What would make an entry stand out to you?
I’ll be looking for someone who is passionate about taking new ideas to the next level. Making innovations to included the next generation, promoting their innovation for others to learn from. Making things easier so things get done in a more efficient and productive way.