It's only just over a couple of weeks now until the nominations close on June 30 for the South West Farmer Awards 2019.

Is there a farm manager that you work with or know of that you think deserves to be nominated?

Last year it was David Ullyott of Bapton Manor Farm at Warminster in Wiltshire that took home the Farm Manager of the year prize.

Bapton Manor 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 per cent.

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

The South West Farmer awards give 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

here

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.