27th October 2008 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
Bedfordshire farmer shortlisted for
Young Farmer of the year
Manor in Henlow, Bedfordshire
The shortlisted farmers in the 2007 Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards have been named this week and up for Britain’s top Young Farmer of the Year sponsored by Massey Ferguson is William Parrish of Stondon Manor in Henlow, Bedfordshire.
Parrish impressed the judges with his rigorous cost control and success at attempting new things. “Machinery is of course one of our biggest long-term investments and I try to buy new or second-hand machines that will keep good residual value from local dealers” Said Parrish.
Paul Davis vice principle of the Royal Agricultural College and one of the judges in this category commented: “Parrish was amongst the best young ‘agri-business men’ you will meet. His attention to detail on arable machinery management was particularly impressive and the farm is a credit to these efforts and his deep understanding.”
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 the 12 category winners.
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 William Parrish published in Farmers Weekly and the other 2007 finalists
- Judging panel for Young Farmer of the Year Award
Paul Davis, vice principle at Royal Agricultural College
James Peck, last year’s Young Farmer of the Year winner
Gary Henley, sponsor Massey Ferguson
Mike Stones, Farmers Weekly
- 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.
