8th October 2009 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London
County Down man shortlisted for Sheep Farmer
of the year
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/Award sponsored by Farm Health Planning is John Martin of Gordonhall Farms in Newtonards, County Down.
Martin impressed the judges by making his priority on his farm the animal’s welfare. This included vaccinating the flock against harmful diseases, and accurate record keeping to record all lambing and other flock data.
Jonathan Long livestock editor of Farmers Weekly and one of the judges in this year’s category commented: “Martin has a sophisticated marketing strategy that produces maximum value of all the lambs. He has a strong focus on the environmental impact of farming and uses detailed records to aid his flock management.”
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. An overall Farmers Weekly farmer of the year will be chosen from one of 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 John Martin 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.
