27th October 2008 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
Northumberland farmers shortlisted for Sheep Farmer of the year
North Bellshill in Belford,
Northumberland
The shortlisted farmers in the 2007 Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards have been named this week and up for Britain’s top Sheep Farmer of the Year sponsored by Farm Health Planning is John and Helen Renner of North Bellshill in Belford, Northumberland.
The Renners impressed the judges by using their farm as a promoting tool to non-farming families and schools. They also have a successful end product that is supported by the local area. “We supply a restaurant with about a third of our total lamb crop, agreeing a fixed price with them at the start of the season,” John said.
Jonathan Long livestock editor of Farmers Weekly and one of the judges in this year’s category commented: “Renner has a great breeding system which maximised the flocks health and productivity. He has a wide understanding of the clients needs and exploits all marketing opportunities. This made the farm a pleasure to visit and a very prospective business for the future.”
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 John and Helen Renner 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
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