27th October 2008 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
Devon man wins Sheep Farmer of the year
Peter Baber of Christow near Exeter is the 2007 Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year, sponsroed by Farm Health Planning
Baber impressed the judges with his drive and determination to constantly improve the flock’s performance. “We were funding rams that were not doing what we wanted them to, they simply couldn’t survive under our management system,” he said.
Jonathan Long livestock editor of Farmers Weekly and one of the judges commented: “Baber isn’t your typical pedigree farmer he simply wants to breed terminal sires more suited to his own commercial flock. He has good marketing skills, writing annual newsletters to all the existing and potential customers. He gives landlords a service and works to enhance the farmed environment.”
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. The overall Farmers Weekly Farmer of the Year will be chosen from one of 12 category winners by an independent judging panel.
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 Peter Baber published in Farmers Weekly and the other 2007 finalists
- Judging panel for Sheep Farmer of the Year Award
Chris Lloyd, English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX)
David MacTaggart, last year’s sheep farmer of the year winner
Jonathan Long, Farmers Weekly’s livestock editor
- 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
Click on a picture below to download a high resolution file.
