The Cumbria Farm Business Awards, organised and delivered by FarmSmart Events, have announced the finalists within seven of the nine categories. Each category focusses on success, looking at the commitment and passion that individuals have in their role within agriculture. Each individual and business represented demonstrate how rural businesses help Cumbria to thrive. The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie dinner at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal on Wednesday 7th September with monies raised from the auction and raffle going to help the rural housing charity, The Addington Fund.
1 Best Commercial Farmer - Maintaining and/or creating a sustainable and diverse agricultural business.
Sponsor: Carter Jonas / AMC Judges: Julian Lambton (Carter Jonas) & Martin Redfearn (Addington Fund)
Shortlist
- J & R Geldard & Sons – Levens, Kendal
- G B Metcalfe & Sons – Kirkby Lonsdale
- Mark & Christopher Forster - Penrith
2 Best Woman in Agriculture - Innovative, creative and successful female within any aspect of the agricultural industry.
Sponsor: H&H Land & Estates Judges: Rachel Bagshaw (H&H Land & Estates) & Ann Newbold (FarmSmart Events Ltd)
Shortlist
- Sian Jordan – Low Fauld Farm, Armathwaite
- Joanne Bentham – Matson Ground Farm, Windermere
- Caroline Grindrod – Oaks Farmhouse, Ambleside
3 Best Farm Diversification - Successful variation to an existing farm business.
Sponsor: Westmorland Family Judges: John Dunning (Westmorland Family) & Sarah Nicol (YFC County Administrator)
Shortlist
- Maria Benjamin – Dodgson Wood, Ulverston
- Jonty Whiteman – Crabtree clay shoot and Christmas shop, Lupton
- Issac Benson – Lakeland Farm Visitor Centre, Ings, Kendal
4 Best Livestock Farmer - Successful and passionate with outstanding animal welfare.
Sponsor: Enterprise Answers Judges: Andrew Suddes (Promar International Ltd) & Christine Ryder (Addington Fund)
Shortlist
- William & Gillian Sedgley – Low Bank House, Barbon
- Angus Richardson – Sheep Rigg Farm, Alston
- Sam & Claire Beaumont – Gowbarrow Hall Farm, Ullswater
5 Best Dairy Farmer - Successful and profitable milk producer with an outstanding contribution to the Dairy Industry.
Sponsor: Dodd & Co
Judges: Rob Hitch (Dodd & Co) & James Hadwin (Love Ewe Dairy/JH Agri Consultancy)
Shortlist
- John & Nicola Young – Jenkin Cragg, Kendal
- Mike & Lottie Dunning – Raisgill Hall, Tebay
6 Best Young Farmer - Enthusiastic, driven and dedicated to their role within agriculture.
Sponsor: NWA Professional Judges: John Geldard (Plumgarths Developments Limited) & Kate Sayce (NWA Professional & Property)
Shortlist
- Zac Walsh - Penrith
- William Longmire - Ulverston
- Richard Ladds - Kendal
7 Eden's Most Sustainable Agricultural Business - Creating a positive, environmental and economic impact.
Sponsored: Eden District Council Judges: Cllr Mary Robinson (Eden District Council) & Andy Newbold (Editor of Cumbria Farm Business magazine)
Shortlist
- Trevor & Gemma Dobson – Simple Farming, Appleby-in-Westmorland
- Jim Beary – Gaythorn Hall Farm, Orton