NOMINATIONS and entries have now closed for this year's prestigious Cumbria Farmer Awards.

Judging will take place on April 25 with awards up for grabs across farming's core sectors such as dairy, livestock, contracting and several special awards recognising the best and brightest farming talent in the county. There is also recognition for other groups such as family farms, students, new entrants, agri-tech and farm diversifications.

The awards are being judged by a panel of respected industry experts and specialists, headed by Michael Peile, partner at Cumbrian accountants, David Allen. Michael said: “Despite the challenging times facing farming we are proud to be able to help celebrate those behind the businesses.”

The 2024 awards are launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership for the second year running with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, who are also sponsoring the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award and the drinks reception.

Highly-respected national broadcaster, Caz Graham, has agreed to be our host for the second year running, at our glittering Awards Evening on Friday, August 16 at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton.

Caz, who is Carlisle-born, and has lived in Kendal for 18 years, and reports and presents for BBC Radio 4 programmes, including Farming Today, On Your Farm, and Open Country. She also reports for PM and World at One.

John Wharton, Cumbrian farmer and livestock auctioneer, will be our compere on the night and will also host a live charity auction in aid of The Farming Community Network (FCN) and the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

Last year, more than 227 farmers and industry specialists helped celebrate a massively successful Cumbria Farmer Awards night, an incredible testament to the determination and resilience of the industry.