David Horler, Somerset farmer and co-founder of the popular children’s brand, Tractor Ted, has been named Diversification Farmer of the Year in the Farmers’ Weekly Awards.

In a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the judges praised David for championing farming to a young audience, the unique and tightly managed brand, the clear plan for growing farm diversification and an outstanding grasp of accounting and data.

Alan Spedding, rural consultant and independent judge said: “Tractor Ted is an incredibly well-known brand and meeting David showed that it is backed up by genuine passion for education, a love for farming and a sharp business brain.” The judges, who visited the Tractor Ted headquarters which are based in a series of converted barns amidst the beautiful countryside of his family’s farm, Highchurch, near Radstock in Somerset, were interested to hear how the farm had been the catalyst for such an unusual diversification and how Tractor Ted has taken this farm into millions of children's homes and allowed them to discover so much about the countryside and farming.

Matthew Smart, AgriBank, sponsor of the award, said: “David’s business shows the very best of farm diversification: it’s expertly managed, generates enthusiasm for farming among the next generation and retains a close link with the original agricultural operation.”

David says: “I am thrilled with this award. We have worked very hard to make Tractor Ted the success that it is today and it is now very much a part of my family’s farm. These days, I am as much at home with a video editing suite as I am in a tractor cab. On a typical day, I might get up early and move some cows, work in the office from nine until five and then attend to my crops.

“Tractor Ted has obvious appeal to children who are already involved in farming, but it is great to see how many children from towns and cities are also attracted to the farm machinery or the livestock, or even both. We are fortunate to have over 700 stockists already selling Tractor Ted items throughout the UK. Our mission is to reach as many young people as in as many areas as possible, so they can learn about the role that farming plays in all our lives from food production to conservation and countryside matters and all in a fun, Tractor Ted style.”

David has also been shortlisted for Diversification Innovator in the British Farming Awards 2014 in the Large Business category. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Chateau Impney Hotel, Droitwich on Thursday October 23 2014.