27th October 2008 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
Oxfordshire man shortlisted for Countryside Farmer of the year
The shortlisted companies in the 2007 Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards have been named this week and up for Britain’s top Countryside Farmer of the Year sponsored by the Environment Agency is Rob Allan of Upton House Estate in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
Allan impressed the judges with his balance of efforts between the resident family and the commercial farming. “He maximises every opportunity to increase the wildlife and conservation whilst developing successful markets that valued this such as school trips”. Said one of the judges.
David Cousins, one of the judges, said: “You’d expect contestants in a category called Countryside Farmer of the Year to be making the most of their natural resources, but we were amazed at how committed, enthusiastic and knowledgeable all three finalists were. The public can be confident that our rural habitats are in good hands”.
Over 100 farmers have entered in this year’s Awards with more than 30 businesses in the line-up reflecting the very best that British producers can offer across 12 categories.
The Awards’ aim is to recognise innovation and achievement among individual farmers as well as celebrate excellence within the industry.
In the run-up to the Awards, Farmers Weekly magazine is profiling the shortlisted farms from each category every week, with a focus on the three finalists competing for each award.
Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 31 October.
Press enquiries to Gill East in Corporate Communications on 020 8652 8825 / gill.east@rbi.co.uk
Notes for editors:
- Read the full report on David Prouse published in Farmers Weekly and the other 2007 finalists
- Judging panel for Countryside Farmer of the Year Award
Caroline Drummond, chief executive of LEAF
David Felce, last year’s Countryside Farmer of the year award winner
David Cousins, Farmers Weekly Machinery features
Jamie Letts, Environment Agency
- The judging panel for the Overall Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year Award
Sir Don Curry, Government Adviser
Sheila Dillon, BBC Radio 4 presenter of the Food Programme
Richard MacDonald, NFU Director General
Jane King, Editor of Farmers Weekly
Debbie Beaton, Awards Director, Farmers Weekly
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