TONIGHT, hundreds will gather to celebrate the Cumbria Farmer Awards 2023, celebrating all the best of agriculture in the county.

The 2023 Cumbria Farmer Awards will bring together some of the county’s most outstanding farmers and food producers, along with leading figures in the industry.

The event is returning for a third year, 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.

News and Star: The Cumbria Farmer Awards 2022 at the Greenhill Hotel.
Left to right. Bridget Dempsey chief reporter Times and Star, Joy Yates, North Editor Newsquest Cumbria, Caroline Dean Sponsorship & Business Development Manager, Newsquest.
5th August

We also introduced two new awards last year, Farming Family Business of the Year and Women in Agriculture.

Highly respected national broadcaster, Caz Graham, will host for this year's event.

The 2023 awards are launched by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with Cumbrian accountants David Allen, who are also sponsoring the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award, the drinks reception, and for the third time, the Young Farmers Club of the Year category.

News and Star: The Cumbria Farmer Awards 2022 at the Greenhill Hotel.
5th August 2022
Photograph Jonathan Becker

Speaking previously about the awards, David said: “As a prominent local business we’ve been heavily involved in the farming and rural community in Cumbria for 26 years.

“This is where our heart is, and it gives us great pleasure to partner with Newsquest to play an even bigger part in the third Cumbria Farmer Awards.

“They’ve got better each year and we’re expecting them to be amazing this year. It’s exciting that they showcase the very best from across the county, bringing the whole community together to celebrate the excellence of Cumbria.”

The event will take place this evening Friday, August 18 at The Greenhill Hotel in Wigton.

Joy Yates, Regional Editor for Newsquest Cumbria, said: “These are Newsquest Cumbria's third Farmer Awards and the events get bigger and better every year. A huge thank you to our sponsors, whose support ensures we can deliver an incredible event, and congratulations to our winners and all those recognised by being nominated.

“I am already looking forward to planning starting on our 2024 event."