THE 2010 “Tomorrow’s Farmer” award winner will be announced at this year’s Royal Agricultural Show in mid August.
Now in its second year, the “Tomorrow’s Farmer” awards aim to showcase the best farmers on the Island. It is organised by DEFA who intend the award to spread best practice, inspire others and influence the public about the role that farmers play in today’s society.
The sponsors, Shoprite, see this award as recognising the excellent progress in local farm practice.
Last year’s winners - Mark Baines and Tracey Gelling from Gelling’s Eggs in Onchan - said, “We were shocked and pleased to win the award, and it’s great to be recognised for all the hard work we have put into the farm.
“We are always forward looking, and winning this award has made a big difference to the way we look at our plans for the future - always trying to improve and develop.”
The Judges Special Award for a Young Farmer went to Darren Cleator, from Ballakeenan Beg, Jurby who said, "It was a great surprise to find that we had won the award. It has increased our confidence that we are heading along the right path with our beef enterprise after recently taking a huge leap by doubling the size of our business.
“However, none of this would have been possible without the help and support of our family and also Dennis and Anne Duggan. It is refreshing to see that the 'next generation' of farmers are beginning to get some recognition as this is an extremely difficult industry to become established in."
Out of 24 nominations, the judges have now selected eight finalists to win just two categories - the Tomorrow’s Farmer Award and the Judges’ Special Award for a Young Farmer.
Judges Special Award for a Young Farmer:
David Collister, Southampton Farm, Braddan
Will Qualtrough, Crosby
Trevor Quirk, Corvalley Farm, Peel
John Teare, Colooneys, Cooil
Tomorrow’s Farmer Award
Dougie and Belinda Coole, Ballamodha Farm, Malew.
Sean Dean, Bay View Farm, Ballamodha Straight
Kate Christian, Kerestal, West Baldwin
Grahan Watterson, Chibbanagh Farm, Braaid
The farm visits have taken place during July, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony, at the “Meet the Buyer” evening at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, on Friday 13th August 2010.
