THERE were smiles all round as the farming community were celebrated at the South West Farmer Awards 2023. 

With a three course dinner at the Somerset County Cricket Club, guests from all over the South West came to support the finalists. 

The winners of the 2023 South West Farmer Awards are as follows:

  • Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Coodes Solicitors and presented by Pam Johns -Tom Stinton, Cools Farm in Wiltshire 
  • Apprentice Of The Year, sponsored by Cornwall College and presented by Darren Evans - Rosie Squire, Duchy College
  • Beef farmer of the year, sponsored by Allflex and presented by Zoe Philips-Lewis - Bill and Suzanne Harper of Trepoyle Farm, near Holsworthy in Cornwall 

Falmouth Packet: Winners of the Beef Farmer of the Year award Suzanne and Bill Harper with sponsor Zoe Philips-Lewis from Allflex. Image: Aisling MagillWinners of the Beef Farmer of the Year award Suzanne and Bill Harper with sponsor Zoe Philips-Lewis from Allflex. Image: Aisling Magill (Image: Aisling Magil)

  • Dairy farmer of the year, sponsored by Mole Valley and presented by Ian Rolinson - John and Simon Martin, Nunton Farm in Wiltshire
  • Sustainability Champion, sponsored by the Forestry Commission and presented by James Fry (area director) - Bill and Suzanne Harper, of Trepoyle Farm, near Holsworthy in Cornwall  
  • The Diversification Award, sponsored by Fisher German and presented by Darren Edwards - Knights Care Farm in Devon
  • Sheep farmer Of The Year, sponsored by Crediton Milling and presented by Karen Wonnacott - Thomas Nancekivell of Heatham Farm at Bude in Cornwall

Falmouth Packet: Sheep farmer of the year Thomas Nancekivell with sponsor Karen Wonnacott of Crediton MillingSheep farmer of the year Thomas Nancekivell with sponsor Karen Wonnacott of Crediton Milling (Image: Aisling Magill)

  • New Entrant Award, sponsored by Agriton and presented by Simon Matthews (Animal Husbandry Specialist) - Jason and Amelia Greenway, Springwater Farm in Devon 
  • Family run Farm of the Year, presented by the Farming Community Network’s Stephen Dennis - The Darke Family, Coleridge Farm in Devon
  • Inspirational Woman In Agriculture, sponsored by LocaliQ and presented by John Cumpston - Emma Smith, Westfield in Wiltshire 
  • Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by NFU Mutual and presented by Emily Mills and Pete Randerson (NFU Mutual Tiverton Insurance Agents) - Trevor and Jo Weyborn, The Sheep Show
  • The South West Farmer of The Year, also sponsored by NFU Mutual and presented by Nick Turner (NFU Mutual CEO) - The Darke Family, Coleridge Farm in Devon

You can find pictures as well as short biographies from each of the award winners in the December 2023 edition of South West Farmer (out November 29). 

Nominations are now open for the South West Farmer Awards 2024 - so make sure to get yours in early.You can nominate by visiting our website at southwestfarmer.co.uk. 

If your business would like to sponsor the awards, please contact event manager Roland Ebert on 01326 213322.