It was David Ullyott of Bapton Manor Farm at Warminster in Wiltshire that took home the Farm Manager of the year prize at the 2018 South West Farmer Awards.

The farm covers 700 hectares, with a further 17 hectares rented on an FBT and 38 contract-farmed.

For the 2019 harvest, there is 555 hectares arable, 127 pasture, 36 environmental and 200 beef animals graze the pasture.

David believes in continuing professional development of all farm staff, which he said leads to a motivated workforce who enjoy their work and feel valued.

Business development is key to the future, he said, with a plan to spread the portfolio of income and continue to make the business more robust.

Opportunities are being explored which can achieve a target return on captial employed of 15%.

David is also branch chairman of South Wilts and Mere NFU and is Wiltshire NFU county deputy chairman.

Could it be you winning the award in 2019?

The awards gives the farming industry in the West Country 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.

This year’s awards categories are:

Employed Farm Manager of the Year

Sheep Farmer of the Year

Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Coodes

Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by Cornish Mutual

Beef Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Greenslade Taylor Hunt

Dairy Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Progiene Dairy Hygiene

Family-run Farm of the Year, sponsored by Mole Valley

Produce Farmer of the Year

Diversification of the Year

Read the full details of each category at southwestfarmer.co.uk

The 2019 Awards will be held at the Somerset County Cricket Ground, November 7, from 6.30pm. 
For details on ticket sales and nominations please call 01326 213322.

Have you, or do you know someone who has given 100 per cent and achieved great things?this year? Or someone who has made a difference to the face of farming? this year?

To nominate, visit our page here.

Alternatively, email editorial@southwestfarmer.co.uk or post details in the following format to our address: South West Farmer, Packet Media, Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, TR11 4SZ.

Nominee Name:
Address (inc postcode):
Phone:
Email:

Describe farm being nominated: 
Please provide a 50-word overview regarding the farm enterprise (e.g. farm size, flock/herd, other enterprises on the farm, any diversification, technology on the farm etc) to give an overall flavour regarding the size and type of farm being entered.

Summary of farm’s approach:
Each nomination should also include a 50-word summary of the farm’s approach regarding each of the five criteria below:
Enterprise performance
Use of technology
Environmental concerns
Contribution to the community/agricultural industry
Vision/Marketing Strategy

Please choose the category you are nominating them for and please include your name, address (including postcode), phone and email address.