Following two scorching days of evaluation, the results of the competition highlighted the best of Essex farming, with NFU members taking home first place in both the over 300 and under 300 hectare categories.
The judges, who made the journey from Herefordshire, faced tough decisions across the board and commented that it was a privilege to judge such an enthusiastic and passionate group of farmers. They said that "judging the best of Essex is not an easy task, excellent farms doing excellent work in very different circumstances".
In keeping with tradition, the winner of the over 300ha category, Will and Swithin Waterer of Waterers Farms Ltd, generously hosted a farm walk and prize giving.
Around 100 guests comprising farmers, industry professionals, and sponsors boarded four tractor-pulled trailers for a tour of the farm, to hear insights from Will and Swithin on their cropping, agronomy and business setup.
As a proud supporter of the farms competition, the NFU sponsored the catering for the event.
The farm walk ended with the prize giving ceremony, celebrating the standout achievers with individual awards for best field of wheat, conservation and diversification. These included NFU Essex Vice-chair Ed Ford winning the diversification award for farms over 300ha.
Essex County Adviser Hamish Debnam-Sharp said “This event highlights the absolute best of Essex farming. Huge congratulations to Waterers Farms Ltd and all our winning members. A special thanks must also go to everyone who entered, judged and supported the competition this year.”
Essex Farms Competition winners
Farms over 300 ha
- 1st: Waterers Farms Ltd, Martlets Hall, Halstead
- 2nd: Rix Farms, Lodge Farm, Gt Horkesley
- 3rd: LE Carr & Sons, Butterfields Farm, Latchingdon
- Conservation award: LE Carr & Sons
- Diversification award: Childerditch Hall Farm, Herongate
- Best crop of wheat: PJ Stacey & Son, West Hanningfield
Farms under 300 ha
- 1st: R&G Mann, Lt Renters Farm, Lt Totham
- 2nd: F Wreathall & Son, Crondon Hall, Margaretting
- 3rd: Tabor Farms Ltd, Holly Lodge Farm, Lawford
- Conservation award: F Wreathall & Son
- Diversification award: R&G Mann
- Best crop of wheat: Tabor Farms Ltd