8th October 2009 | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London

Lancashire farmer wins Young Farmer of the year

 

Philip Halhead of Norbreck Farm in Cockerham, Lancashire is the 2007 Young Farmer of the Year sponsored by Massey Ferguson.

Halhead impressed the judges with his discipline, focus and determination to manage more than one enterprise successfully. Despite his global business interests Halhead remains committed to hands-on farming. “I’m in the dairy parlour by 5.30am at least one morning a week and sometimes two,” he said.

Paul Davis vice principle of the Royal Agricultural College and one of the judges in this category commented: “Halhead surprised us with his detailed understanding of cattle genetics and breeding improvement and his belief, in particular that Norbreck Genetics can be a world leader in semen and embryo export sales.”

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 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 Philip Halhead 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

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