The National Arable and Grassland Awards 2023 are now open for entries. We are looking for the very best from across the agricultural industry to come together in a lavish ceremony next February at the Bankside Hilton, London.
The event is organised by Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer and Agronomist & Arable Farmer, in association with both BASiS and the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC).
The farmers who adopt new and innovative methodologies to get the very best yields – regardless of the crop. The growers who have refined and perfected their operations to retain their profitability, irrespective of the various challenges we have seen this year.
There will be six growers awards, each focused on a different crop. The winners of each of these categories will be automatically entered into the Grower of the Year award. Key considerations from the judging panel will be yield, soil health, agronomy knowledge, efforts to reduce the environmental impact and a demonstration of innovation.
Agronomists will be celebrated for how they succinctly translate their knowledge into tangible results for farms up and down the country. Guiding growers through an ever-changing sea of changing regulations and products.
Then, of course, there is the key role that contractors play in our industry. With more than 90% of farms using a contractor at some point in the year, it would be fair to say that our industry often relies on the experience and skill of these operators.
The judges will be looking at how contractors have worked with their customers, offering advice and providing the machinery and technology to find new levels of efficiency and accuracy in their operations.
Finally, we will once again celebrate the Lifetime Achievement award, given to someone who acts as a champion for the industry, consistently going the extra mile to showcase everything that is great about the farming industry.
The judging panel is yet to be announced but will comprise key personalities from across the industry, who will use their expertise to pinpoint what makes our winners stand out from the pack.
Simon Lewis, the publisher of Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer and Agronomist & Arable Farmer, said: “After our the first NAGA awards earlier this year were such a success, I am delighted to launch the 2023 edition. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the excellent work that happens across our industry, and will foster innovation and encourage a can-do attitude across the sector.”
Entries are now open. To find out more go to www.nationalarableandgrasslandawards.co.uk
The categories
Cereal Grower of the Year
The cereal grower of the year will be able to demonstrate an effective rotation strategy and disease management policy. Yields will be consistently high with a commitment to regenerative agriculture. The winning grower will have intimate knowledge of the markets served and a bank of expert advisors.
Fruit Grower of the Year
The fruit grower of the year will be able to demonstrate intimate knowledge of the market served, strong agronomy knowledge and consistently high yields. The judges will be looking for a grower committed to improving soil health and able to demonstrate a willingness to adopt new practices and innovations.
Oilseed Grower of the Year – Sponsored by Premium Crops
The judges will be looking for a grower delivering consistently strong yields which can only be achieved with an effective beetle control policy and a commitment to investing in soil health. The winning grower will be able to demonstrate a track record of innovating to manage challenges faced, seeking expert assistance where appropriate.
Potato Grower of the Year – Sponsored by FMC
The potato grower of the year will be able to demonstrate intimate knowledge of the market served, strong agronomy knowledge and of course, consistently high yields. The winning grower will be committed to improving soil health, and able to demonstrate a willingness to adopt new practices and innovations.
Protein Crop Grower of the Year – Sponsored by Limagrain UK
The judges will be looking for strong performance against KPIs and effective control of pests & diseases. Soil health, innovation and reducing carbon footprint will be high on the priority list and the winning grower will be able to demonstrate a willingness to adapt to evolving conditions.
Vegetable Grower of the Year
The judges will be looking for a grower able to demonstrate a strong performance against KPIs, including yield. The winning grower will have an intimate knowledge of the markets served and will be able to demonstrate strong agronomy knowledge and a commitment to improving soil health.
Grower of the Year
This award is for the best grower in Britain! The business will be highly efficient, will be able to demonstrate year-on-year growth, will be financially sound and will be at the forefront of technological developments and innovation. The business will have strong and passionate leaders who value their committed workforce, and the winner will be chosen from the winners of the 6 grower awards – a champion of champions!
Grassland Manager of the Year – Sponsored by Omex
The judges will be looking for strong performance against KPIs including yield per hectare and how this translates to the ultimate product (e.g. litres of milk per hectare). The winning grower will be committed to soil health and be able to demonstrate strategic choice of varieties used. Fertiliser usage will be effective and minimised.
Contractor of the Year – Sponsored by PFC (Profitable Farming Company)
The contractor of the year will be a dynamic and professional individual who is regarded as a professional advisor to their customer and viewed as a key cog in the customers’ business. The winning contractor will be a committed user of precision farming equipment and will be multi-skilled, flexible and reactive to customers’ needs, able to keep multiple customers happy all at once.
Farm Manager of the Year – Sponsored by Househam Sprayers
The award is for a farm manager who is the key decision maker in a significant arable or grassland business. The judges will be looking for evidence of how the manager has driven the business forward, as well as excellence in motivating staff and delivering against targets.
Sustainable Farming Award – Sponsored by QLF
To win this award you must demonstrate a commitment to reducing carbon footprint and the efficient use of inputs. The winning farmer will be dedicated to implementing practices and innovations that promote long-term soil health and biodiversity, securing the productive use of the land for future generations.
Young Farmer of the Year
The award is for an under 40 who is running an arable or grassland business. The judges will be looking for evidence of long-term commitment to the industry and an enthusiastic and innovative approach to farming.
Agronomist of the Year – Sponsored by Sencrop
The award is for either an independent or employed agronomist who is passionate about helping growers achieve their full potential. The winner will be able to demonstrate how their advice has led to improvements in their customers’ farms performance and will be regarded as an enthusiastic expert with a track record of solving problems.
Young Agronomist of the Year
The award is for an agronomist aged under 40 who is either employed or independent. The winner will be able to demonstrate how their advice has led to improvements in their customer farms performance and will be regarded as an enthusiastic expert with a track record of solving problems.
Lifetime Achievement Award
This is a personality of the year award to honour a champion of the Arable and Grassland industry. Shortlisted candidates will be those inspirational few who drive change, introduce new ideas, and consistently go the extra mile for the industry.