NOMINATIONS are closed and judging is taking place for our prestigious Cumbria Farmer Awards 2023, which aim to shine a light on the dedicated work delivered by farmers across the county.

The event is returning for a third year, with awards up for grabs across farming’s core sectors such as dairy, livestock, contracting and several special awards recognising the best and brightest farming talent in the county. There is also recognition for other groups such as family farms, students, new entrants, agri-tech and farm diversifications.

We also introduced two new awards last year, Farming Family Business of the Year and Women in Agriculture.

The 2023 awards are launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, who are also sponsoring the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, the drinks reception, and for the third time, the Young Farmers Club of the Year category.

David said: “As a prominent local business we’ve been heavily involved in the farming and rural community in Cumbria for 26 years. This is where our heart is and it gives us great pleasure to partner with Newsquest to play an even bigger part in the third Cumbria Farmer Awards. They’ve got better each year and we’re expecting them to be amazing this year. It’s exciting that they showcase the very best from across the county, bringing the whole community together to celebrate the excellence of Cumbria.

“We are very proud to be a big part of the 2023 Cumbria Farmer Awards.”

Winners will be celebrated in a glittering awards ceremony on Friday, August 18 at the Greenhill Hotel, near Wigton.

Unfortunately, Val Armstrong has had to step down as our host due to unforeseen circumstances.

But highly-respected national broadcaster, Caz Graham, has agreed to be our host for this year's event.

Caz, who is Carlisle-born, and has lived in Kendal for 18 years, and reports and presents for BBC Radio 4 programmes, including Farming Today, On Your Farm, and Open Country. She also reports for PM and World at One. Caz said she was “delighted” to be asked to host the event which is a real celebration and a wonderful showcase for rural Cumbria.

John Wharton, farmer and livestock manager and auctioneer at Mitchell’s Auction Mart in Cockermouth, will be our compere on the night, and will also host a live auction with proceeds going to our nominated charities, Farming Community Network (FCN), and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Sponsors include the National Farmers Union (NFU) – Farming Champion; Lely Center, Longtown – Against All Odds; Red Tractor – Judges Special Award; the University of Cumbria – Land & Environmental ; Warrendale Wagyu – Women In Agriculture; H&H Group plc – Livestock Farmer of the Year; Lloyd Ltd; – Diversification of the Year; David Allen Agriculture – Young Farmers Club of the Year; Paragon Veterinary Group – Farming Family Business; Ernest Cook Trust – Agricultural Student or Rural Skills Award; Carrs Billington – Dairy Farmer of the Year and Contractor of the Year; Davidson & Robertson – Supplier of the Year; Rickerby Ltd – Special Recognition Award; Nestlé – Farmer’s Choice Award; GSC Grays – Tenant Farmer of the Year; Plumgarths Farm Shop - Wine on the Table and National Trust - Video Content

This year we are holding a live auction hosted by our compere John Wharton, with proceeds going to our nominated charities, Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

FCN Senior Partnerships Manager Georgina Lamb said: “The whole team at FCN are delighted to have been chosen as a nominated charity once again at the awards. This wonderful occasion allows us not only to raise vital funds to support the work we do, but also raise awareness and highlight the ways in which FCN can help the whole agricultural sector should they need us.”

GNAAS Fundraising Lead, Hannah Powell said: “Thank you so much for choosing us as one of your charities. We have some incredible supporters that are farmers doing wonderful things”

The awards are being judged by a panel of respected industry experts and specialists, headed by Michael Peile, partner at Cumbrian accountants, David Allen. Michael said: “Despite the challenging times facing farming we are proud to be able to help celebrate those behind the businesses.”

Three new judges for this year are Sue Colling, Marketing Manager for Lloyd Ltd, one of our sponsors, who said “Seeing the enthusiasm for the 2022 CN Farmer Awards and the pride the nominees and winners had for being recognised was particularly special, so it is a real privilege to be involved in the process as a judge, getting first-hand insights into the dedication and commitment of our local farming community. I’m excited to meet everyone and to learn more about the impressive work going on across the agricultural sector in our region.”

Jamie Brownrigg of Warrendale Wagyu, one of our sponsors said: “After Being involved with CFA for the first time in 2022 it’s an absolute privilege to be asked to sit on the judging panel and also get the chance to meet some of Cumbria’s finest farmers”

Dr Helen Manns, director of the University of Cumbria's Institute of Science and Environment, said: “The Land and Environment Award category, which the university sponsors, provides the opportunity to recognise those who embark on innovative and sustainable uses of the land that provide new opportunities whilst enhancing our area’s special character.

“Joining this year’s judging panel offers me, as a Chartered Environmentalist and academic, the opportunity to learn about some of the ambitious and exciting projects happening across Cumbria, the county that the university is rooted in and, with others, is supporting its communities to thrive.”

Joy Yates, Newsquest’s Regional Editor for Cumbria, said: “Our Cumbria Farmer Awards are fast becoming a highlight of the farming social calendar. They are a great way to celebrate the drive and creativity that underpins Cumbria’s economic and social life.

“The past 12 months have been a time for growth and expansion in many farm businesses. That is why we want to hear their stories and give businesses, ideas and people the recognition they truly deserve.”

Last year, more than 227 farmers and industry specialists helped celebrate a massively successful Cumbria Farmer Awards night, an incredible testament to the determination and resilience of the industry.

As well as the Livestock Achievement Award, sponsored by David Allen, the event will also be celebrating the county’s fantastic individuals with our Special Recognition Award, Judges Special Award and Farmer’s Choice Award.

“This will be a real celebration of all our unsung farming heroes and will provide a wonderful showcase for rural Cumbria,” said Maureen Hodges, farming and rural affairs editor.