Members in running for 'Farmer of the Year' titles

Leading industry publication Farmers Weekly has announced their 45 finalists in 15 farming categories for the Farmers Weekly Awards 2011 – with three Freedom Food members in the running for recognition.

David Neal, North Yorkshire - Attention to detail across 10 breeding herds and 90 finishing units has helped grow David’s pig business by 40% in the past two years – detail which also caught the attention of the judges who have short-listed him for the title Pig Farmer of the Year.

Nick and Claire Bragg, Somerset - Higher welfare chickens are produced on two sites by this hard-working couple, who are also mindful of their environmental impact. Their dedication sees them short-listed for the title Poultry Farmer of the Year.

Christine Young and Catherine Armstrong, Northumberland - The two farming sisters set up Sunny Hill Free Range Eggs in 2005 and have since grown it into one of the best-known egg brands in the north. They are short-listed for the title Poultry Farmer of the Year.

Farmers Weekly together with its industry sponsors, which span the whole of the food chain, want British farmers to get the recognition they deserve.

Now in their seventh year, the awards aim to showcase the best farmers in the country. Telling their stories and spreading best practice. Inspiring other farmers and influencing the public about the crucial role that farmers play in today’s society. And it’s important to see Freedom Food members recognised already in these prestigious awards.

The Farmers Weekly Awards 2011 will be held on October 6 at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Find out more by visiting http://www.fwi.co.uk/awards-website/awards-home