Chris & Sarah Berry with Graeme Cock, Mole Valley Farmers - Devon’s Farmer of the Year Sponsor 2022

After a three-year hiatus, the Devon Farm Business Awards were back with a bang the night before the Devon County Show (29th June) at the Devon County Showground. Organised by the Addington Fund and the Devon County Agricultural Association with Principal Sponsor Cornish Mutual, the evening celebrated the best of farming in Devon with Awards across eight categories, culminating in the Devon’s Farmer of the Year Award.

Emotional Chris Berry from Higher Thornton Farm was announced Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2022 and also bagged the Best Young Farmer title.

Speaking on BBC Radio Devon with Michael Chequer on the morning of the first day of the Devon County Show, he said: “I’m still in shock and buzzing from winning the Award to be honest. It’s really nice to be recognised and rewarded for the efforts we young farmers put into agriculture so to be nominated, short listed and win the Awards is truly fantastic and I’d like to thank everyone involved in supporting myself and the agricultural community.”

Penny Dart, a director in Savills rural department in Exeter, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Chris named Devon’s Farmer of the Year for 2022. A pioneering agriculturalist, his open-minded and innovative style, alongside his energy and enthusiasm, made him a stand out winner of the Best Young Farmer category.

“His forward-thinking and collaborative approach has put his expanding farming business ahead of the curve, while his commitment to knowledge-sharing across the sector makes him an inspiration to even the most experienced of farmers.”

Graeme Cock from Mole Valley Farmers, who sponsored Devon’s Farmer of the Year category, commented that the calibre of nominations this year was outstanding: “It is just incredible to see the talent and passion within the farming industry in my home county. Judging the nominations was a tough job but the panel gave it their all and chose a very worthy winner of winners”.

Peter Beaumont from Cornish Mutual did a sterling job of announcing the category winners on stage, presenting with grace, humour and style.

To top off the evening, the Devon Young Farmers Choir took to the stage after dinner, performing “Times Like These” by the Foo Fighters and the iconic “Skyfall” by Adele, whilst guests enjoyed amazing locally sourced produce from caterers, Baker George.

The Devon Young Farmers Choir performing at the Devon Farm Business Awards 2022.

The winners of our fantastic farming categories are as listed below:

• Best Commercial Farmer - Tom Chanter of F W S Carter, sponsored by PKF Francis Clark

• Best Woman in Agriculture – Cathy Case, Mount Folly Farm, sponsored by Stephens Scown Solicitors

• Farm Diversification Award - Jerry Sanders-Carr, Crablake Farm, sponsored by Trowers and Hamlins

• Best Farm Processor - Chris & Kathryn Labdon, Perdon Organics Ltd, sponsored by Thomas Westcott

• Best Sustainable Farming Initiative - David and Helen Camp, Daynes Farm, sponsored by Cornish Mutual

• Best Dairy Farmer – Mark & Paul Glanvill, Rydon Farm, sponsored by Crediton Dairy

• Best Young Farmer – Chris Berry, Higher Thornton Farm, sponsored by Savills

• Farming Champion - Guy Singh-Watson, Riverford Organic Farmers, sponsored by NFU

• Once again, Chris Berry winning Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2022, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers

Peter Beaumont from Cornish Mutual the Principal Sponsor said they were proud to be able to support the Awards in 2022 and see the showcase of talent in the farming sector throughout Devon, and give a huge congratulations to not only the category winners but also the runners up.

Thanks to the DCAA and the staff at the Devon County Showground for all their help throughout the organisation of the Awards, and for their continuous support for the work of the Addington Fund.

The Addington Fund would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the category finalists and winners. They would like to thank everyone who took part in the making of the 2022 Devon Farm Business Awards and help raise over £10,000 from sponsorship and fundraising throughout the evening. This money will go towards helping the farming community in times of need.

For more information about fundraising and events for the Addington Fund, please contact Annie Winn, Events Manager on anniewinn@addingtonfund.org.uk