Now in its fifth year, the winners of the DEFA “Tomorrows’ Farmer” award, sponsored by Shoprite, was announced at the Tomorrow’s Farmer Award ceremony at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on Friday 9th August 2013. The winners are John and Alison Teare, Ballavair, Bride.
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 David Cooil, Ballagawne Farm, Ronague, who impressed the judges with his focussed and positive approach to farming and his belief in its future.
John Speakman 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: Ean Parsons from Baljean Farm, Maughold and Kevin Coole from Ballaquinney Farm, Ronague.
The panel of judges was made up of Kate Beecroft MHK, John Speakman, Shoprite, Brian Caley, President of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show, Brian Brumby, Vice President of the Manx NFU and Chris Kneale, DEFA 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 the conservation activity on the farm.
Kate Beecroft MHK Member for Agriculture 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 that their stories will inspire and encourage other farmers to think creatively about their businesses and their responses to the market and their customers’ needs”.
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”.
Photo from left to right: Kate Beecroft MHK, John Speakman - Shoprite, John and Alison Teare, David Cooil, Kevin Coole, Jo and Ean Parsons, Chris Kneale and Brian Brumby.
