THE inaugural South West Farmer Awards 2016 in association with insurance company Cornish Mutual is taking place at the Somerset County Cricket Ground on November 3.

Tickets for the event are going fast and are limited so make sure you get yours before they all go.

This is the perfect opportunity for businesses to network with like-minded people as well the chance to socialise with your peers and enjoy a delicious three course meal.

South West Farmer editor Paul Armstrong said: “We have a wealth of talent in the farming industry in the south west and these awards are an opportunity to honour the skills and experience from across the agricultural community.

“The awards ceremony promises to be a great night so make sure you are there to join us. I would also like to thank Cornish Mutual for agreeing to be our sponsors.”

Cornish Mutual board member Jeremy Oatey said: “The inaugural South West Farmer Awards are the perfect opportunity for the region’s farming industry to recognise success, highlight innovation and in particular showcase the work of our future and forward-thinking farmers.

“With nominations now closed and the judging process under way, I am certainly looking forward to learning more about those businesses and individuals who are setting the pace in the industry and adapting to a changing market place.

"But to me the awards are much more than that. Being in the agricultural community in the South West is about more than just business.

“Yes, we need to be profitable and as successful as we can be, but it’s a community that I believe is unlike any sector in the economy – we genuinely live, work and play together.

"I have also long believed that the farming industry plays a much more significant role in South West society than is often realised.

"We are the custodians of the landscape and through our love of the country life, our hard work and commitment to running successful businesses, we in turn craft the amazing landscapes that the Westcountry is so famous for.

“This summer has been another bumper year for tourists, and we know that many come down to spend time in the countryside, surrounded by nature. The region’s agricultural community has for generations shaped and nurtured that environment and continues to do so today, and that’s something of which we should all be hugely proud.

“The ethos behind these awards very much mirrors the values of the farming community, as well as those of Cornish Mutual, who I am proud to be associated with.

"The company was started in 1903 by a group of visionary farmers who decided that by taking a co-operative approach and working together they could achieve far more than they could as individuals.

"I look forward to the awards dinner and joining everyone in celebrating that togetherness, as well as the brightest and best in our community.”

The South West Farmer Awards are a culmination of over 30 year’s dedication to the agricultural industry in the south west by South West Farmer.

It will celebrate all that this great about farming in this part of the world with a number of categories up for grabs.

• Farm Manager of the Year

• Sheep Farmer of the year

• Beef Farmer of the Year

• Dairy Farmer of the Year

• Arable Farmer of the Year

• Outstanding Achievement of the Year

• Green Farmer of the Year

• Family Run Farm of the Year

• Young farmer of the year

• Cornish Mutual will present special recognition award on the night

Each category nominee has had to meet set criteria, including enterprise performance, use of technology, environmental considerations, contribution to the community/agricultural industry and vision/marketing strategy.

The South West Farmer Awards give the farming industry in the south west a chance to stand up and be recognised with an emphasis on future and forward-thinking farmers.

Supported by industry experts, the event gives local farmers, suppliers, breeders and everyone involved in the industry the recognition they deserve for the tremendous work they do throughout the year.

The awards ceremony will take place in the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, Somerset, the home of county cricket, on November 3, 2016.

To book your ticket price £30 ring the ticket hotline on 01326 213343.

Big discounts are available for those who buy extra tickets.

Closing date to buy is October 19.

For further details about the event contact Roland Ebert on 01326 213322 or email rebert@nqsw.co.uk