After months of anticipation the South West Farmer Awards 2017 took place at Somerset County Cricket Ground tonight.
The best in farming from all over the South West gathered together to find out who had won the prestigious awards in their category.
Compere Rob Venner introduced the awards saying that there were so many nominees that they couldn’t possibly be fitted into the final selections.
First up was young farmer of the year sponsored by Coodes Solicitor which was won by Sam Bullingham.
The judges said he was a credit to the industry and had a vision to match it.
Sustainable farmer of the year sponsored by Natural Generation was won by Fionagh and Richard Harding from Norton Barton Farm.
The couple were recognised by the judges: "For embracing new technology while keeping the ethos of the business, this is an excellent flagship for the farming community."
Family run farm of the year sponsored by Mole Valley was won by the Gibson family being a great example of making the most of their business and safeguarding for the future, while enjoying it!
After a break for a delicious three course meal provided by Somerset Cricket Club it was on to the remainder of the evening.
First up was the innovation award sponsored by Old Mill.
A tough category which was won by Andrew and Jenni Guy of Julian's Farm who were commended for doing so much good with disadvantaged and vulnerable visitors to enhance their understanding of the countryside and environment around them for the benefit of the future.
Dairy farmer of the year sponsored by Omex was won by Gordon Davis of Westcott Farm.
"A family farm with all the members working in the community farming community," said the judges. "A set-up we would all like to aspire to."
Beef farmer of the year was won by James Kittow butcher and grazier of Kilhallon Farm for focussing on delivering performance as well as giving back to the community.
Sheep farmer of the year was won by Peregrine Aubrey for putting sheep welfare at the forefront of his philosophy.
Farm manager of the year went to James Coumbe who works from Beals Farm, Stoke Climsland, Callington but also oversees the Duchy College Farm, Bicton College Home Farm, Duchy College Rosewarne, Poole Farm and Newham Farm.
The judges said co-ordination with the college is the key outstanding tribute: "Nothing is wasting on the benefits that can be achieved for technology and contribution to the community."
There were so many commendable nominees this year that it was decided to add a few special recognition awards. The first went to Nancy Dart for her impressive commitment, love and passion in all things family and farm and for her fabulous contributions to the community and environmental considerations the other went to John Walter Symons.
The evening took a more sombre and emotional turn as a special recognition award was presented to the family of Derek Mead, a passionate advocate of British farming and agriculture who sadly lost his life in a tragic farming accident this year.
The outstanding achievement award sponsored by Cornish Mutual went to an emotional Fionagh and Richard Harding.
Well done to all our nominees and look forward to seeing you all next year.
All the pictures are available to buy just go online to cornwall.newsprints.co.uk to order.