Left to right; Graeme Cock from Mole Valley Farmers with Zoe Glanville & Lawrence Glanville from Surfing Cow Ltd, Devon’s Farmers of the Year 2023.

The 9th Addington Fund Devon Farm Business Awards 2023 did not fail to entertain this year as some of Devon’s most enthusiastic, passionate and shining examples of farming won across eight categories.

Organised by the Addington Fund, with Principal Sponsor Cornish Mutual, the evening celebrated Devon’s finest farmers with one overall winner claiming Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023.

Winning Best Farm Processor, Lawrence and Lee Glanville and Alistair Graham of Surfing Cow Ltd also won the grand title of Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023, bringing the whole room to a cheer.

Jack Cordery, Chief Executive Officer of Mole Valley Farmers said: “Mole Valley Farmers has a long standing association with the Addington Fund Farm Business Awards and we are pleased to sponsor the overall Devon’s Farmer of the Year. Congratulations to all of the finalists, the category winners and of course the Glanville family and Alistair Graham of Surfing Cow Ltd, our Devon Farmers of the Year.”

Bill Young, CEO of the Addington Fund said: “This year the Devon Farm Business Awards was full of incredible farmers. We were blown away with the agricultural talent that had been entered into the farming categories and I know choosing the winner of all winners this year was a very tough decision. Everyone was a worthy winner this year but the team at Surfing Cow Ltd stood out from the crowd because of the very successful farm business they have built and continue to progress despite the challenges all farming businesses are facing at the moment.”

Cornish Mutual Managing Director Peter Beaumont said: “As Principal Sponsor, we were delighted to work with the Addington Fund once again on this notable event and celebrate agriculture across the county.

“Like the Addington Fund, Cornish Mutual remains committed to protecting the farming community and building a sustainable future for one of Devon’s pivotal industries. Congratulations to all tonight’s winners and finalists, who represent the hard work and dedication of the county’s farmers signalling a bright outlook for farming across the South West.”

Joining the awards for another year was the infamous James Morrish, who was another shining star of the night compering the evening and raising a fantastic £2100 via the auction. His compere style, wit and humour was missed back in 2022, so the evening felt complete once again having him back on stage, making everyone feel welcome and thoroughly enjoy the awards.

The total amount raised from all fundraising activities during the evening was over £4000 with more donations steadily coming in online. This incredible amount will go back into Addington Fund to help the farming community in times of need.

The winners of our fantastic farming categories are as listed:

• Best Commercial Farmer – David Merrin & Family, Hendham Farm, sponsored by PKF Francis Clark

• Best Woman in Agriculture – Ann Willcocks, W & A Willcocks, sponsored by Westcotts Ltd

• Farm Diversification Award – Lewis Steer & Flora Searson, The Dartmoor Shepherd, sponsored by Trowers and Hamlins LLP

• Best Farm Processor – Lawrence & Lee Glanville & Alistair Graham, Surfing Cow Ltd, sponsored by Addington Fund

• Best Sustainable Farming Initiative – Oliver Lee, How Now Dairy, sponsored by Cornish Mutual

• Best Dairy Farmer – Niall Tewson, South Devon Dairy, sponsored by Crediton Dairy

• Best Young Farmer – Matthew Taylor, Taylor Made Poultry, sponsored by Savills

• Farming Champion – Elizabeth Hammett, AC & ER Hammett, sponsored by NFU

• Outstanding Contribution to Addington Fund - Trevor Glasper, Coombe View Farm

• Once again, Lawrence & Lee Glanville & Alistair Graham, Surfing Cow Ltd winning Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers Ltd

The Devon Farm Business Awards were a night to remember, not forgetting the very reason why the awards take place; to celebrate and recognise the hard work of farmers and the farming industry, and to fundraise for the charity to support those who need help during difficult times.

The Addington Fund would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all category finalists and winners. Thanks must also go to the DCAA and the staff at the Devon County Show for all their help throughout the organisation of the Awards, and for their continuous support for the work of the Addington Fund. Thank you to UK Agricultural Finance Ltd for sponsoring the drinks reception at the beginning of the evening and thank Bar Nova and Mulberry Catering for their services.

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

Addington Fund’s Cornwall Farm Business Awards 2023 nominations open on Tuesday 30th May. Visit www.farmbusinessawards.org.uk to enter.

Thank you for supporting the Addington Fund.

For all images from the Devon Farm Business Awards 2023, click here