The 2020 winners of the British Farming Awards have been revealed at a digital award's ceremony tonight (October 21), supported by Morrisons.
The event, which was broadcast online and hosted by Vernon Kay, showcased the innovation and achievements of British farmers across the agricultural industry.
Farmers and industry organisations took to social media to join in the virtual celebrations and it was not long before the 2020 event began trending on Twitter.
Organised by AgriBriefing, parent company of Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming, the 16 awards welcomed entries from across farming's core sectors including beef, arable, machinery, dairy, agricultural students and family-run businesses.
The awards also continued to shine a spotlight on the emerging new agri-technologies coming into the industry along with talented new entrants and a hugely diverse array of diversification enterprises.
Sophie Throup, Morrisons Head of Agriculture, Fisheries and Sustainable Sourcing, said: "Morrisons is pleased to once again sponsor the British Farming Awards and help celebrate some of the great work British farmers do.
"This year more than ever as we have faced huge challenges feeding the nation during the Covid-19 pandemic, British farmers have one again come to the fore.
"Thank you to every farmer who continues to help keep food flowing, growing and rearing fantastic British products for our customers and their families."
So chuffed to have won Best Large Diversification Innovator Award for Fordhall Event Catering. Its hard work but worth it. Thank you so much #shropshirehour #midlandshour #bfa20 @FarmingAwards pic.twitter.com/Nct4sVimez
— Fordhall OrganicFarm (@fordhallfarm) October 21, 2020
2020 Digital Innovator of the Year goes to…. Chris Franklin, thank you so much Helie, Kara , Caroline and all our team of students, volunteers very humbled #BFA20 #Farm365 #Backbritishfarming @Morrisons @LoveBritishFood @heartwilts @wiltshirenews @caro_painter @FarmingAwards pic.twitter.com/sDIvXkkNVv
— caenhillcc (@caenhillcc) October 21, 2020
Such a pleasure to be one of the #Dairy Innovator @FarmingAwards judges this year - amazing entries, true excellence in dairying and the chance to watch the #BFA20 in my #cow onesie! #TeamDairy pic.twitter.com/2xPFrGVgId
— Dr Jude Capper ?????? (@Bovidiva) October 21, 2020
Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture
Kicking off the evening was the announcement of this year's Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture Award, which was awarded to Jamie Feilden, Founder of Jamie's Farm.
Growing up on a smallholding, Jamie began his career as a teacher but now runs five farms across the country working with schools and other organisations to offer residential stays to vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people.
So far 7,500 children and teenagers have benefited from the scheme with astonishing results as 60% of those who enjoy a stay are no longer at risk of exclusion from school after six months.
Farmers Guardian Farming Hero
The winner of this year's Farmers Guardian's Farming Hero award is Sam Stables who, not only took on an entire flock of sheep from Yorkshire to his Herefordshire farm and lambed them for a friend stricken by the coronavirus, but has also launched a charity to help with mental health issues among the farming community.
Mr Stables, a tenant farmer on the Duchy of Cornwall Estate, recently received a personal commendation of support from HRH Prince of Wales along with a donation to fund further charitable work from We Are Farming Minds.
Ben Briggs, Farmers Guardian editor, said: "It was great to celebrate the very best of British agriculture and reward those who have helped keep the nation fed in this incredible year.
"While we couldn't meet in person and toast the success of the winners and nominees, it was still vital that we proudly showcased the achievements of British farmers and raised a glass to their innovation and drive."
For more information
For more information about the awards, winner's videos and comments visit www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/awards-night
