The awards celebrate the very best of British agriculture by recognising hard working and innovative farmers across the UK.
Winning farmers and growers were welcomed on stage at a dinner and ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, in London last night (6 October).
Awards were presented by comedian Russell Kane and Farmers Weekly editor Andrew Meredith.
The organisers said there were ‘44 innovative farmers, entrepreneurial contractors, expert consultants and hard-working students’ that made the shortlist.
Simon Cutter, of Model Farm, Herefordshire, was named Beef Farmer of the Year and Ben Chilman, of New House Farm, Herefordshire, won Agricultural Student of the Year.
Simon produces organic, pasture-fed beef for direct sale from his high-health herd of pedigree Poll Herefords.
He runs a rotational grazing system alongside crops of lucerne, red clover and arable silage.
While Ben juggles work commitments on the mixed family farm with his studies.
The Harper Adams University student also champions the importance of good mental health in farming through his own podcast, EweTurn.
© MAG/Colin Miller
Ali Parker, Herefordshire NFU county adviser, said: “These awards showcase the very best of British farming.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved, all those shortlisted and particularly our winners from Herefordshire.
“I was pleased to see so many NFU members represented from across the country and next generation farmers and growers too, all have the desire and dedication to drive forward our industry.”
Michael Kavanagh, of DGF &MAM Thompson, Albrighton Hall, was nominated for Farm Manager of the Year – the business is with Wolverhampton and Stourbridge NFU branch.
While Bromsgrove and Redditch NFU member Richard Pinfield, of Park Farm Barns, Dodford, Worcestershire, was nominated for Poultry Farmer of the Year.