Now in its fourth year, the winners of the DEFA “Tomorrow’s Farmer” award, sponsored  by Shoprite, was announced at the Tomorrow’s Farmer Award ceremony at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on Friday 10th August 2012.  The winners are Derek and Alison Kermeen of Ballaterson Farm, Maughold.  
 
An additional award – the Judges Special Award for a Young Farmer – was made by the judges and is also sponsored by Shoprite.  It was awarded to Neil and Vicky Masson, Ballacricket Farm, Ronague, who impressed the judges with their focussed and positive approach to farming and their belief in its future. 
 
Carol Glover of Shoprite presented the winners with a cheque together with magnificent glass trophies and certificates.
 
The remaining nominees were presented with ?50 cash and certificates and congratulated for making it to the short list of farmers considered for the award. The nominees were: Alan Teare from Ballakelly Farm, Andreas and Euan and Stuart Corlett from Cardle Farm, Maughold. 
 
The panel of judges was made up of DEFA Minister Phil Gawne MHK, John Speakman, Shoprite, Colin Kelly, President of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, Eric Taggart, representative of the Manx NFU and Andrew Macdonald, SAC Agricultural Advisor.  Each farm was visited and assessed against criteria for farming efficiently and profitably, their focus on customers, their efforts to promote local food production, their plans to diversify their business and conservation activity on the farm.
 
Minster Phil Gawne MHK said: “Judging was very challenging as we were impressed by all the nominees and in particular by their drive and enthusiasm for a positive future for farming in the Isle of Man.  I hope their stories will inspire and encourage other farmers to think creatively about their businesses and to believe in a bright future for Manx farming”.
 
John Speakman, Buyer for sponsors Shoprite said: “Shoprite is very pleased to sponsor this award which recognises excellence in Manx farming. Produce from Manx farms is important to our business and customers and it is heartening to know that there is such commitment to its future production”.