BARNY Butterfield, a cider-maker and farmer from Sandford, has been named "champion of champions" among innovative Devon farmers, in the annual John Neason awards, organised by the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA). This year, in order to mark the 25th Devon County Show at Westpoint, the judges decided to choose from between past winners of the award, so as to identify and reward lasting success. And it was the way in which Barny Butterfield has expanded his cider enterprise since first winning the award in 2010 that most impressed the judges. "We could see clear evidence of Barny's drive and business acumen when he won the award in 2010," said Mark Neason, the chairman of the judges. "But since then, the Sandford Orchards cider enterprise has really taken off, with annualised sales soaring from 12,000 to 600,000 litres. The business now makes a really important contribution to the local economy, providing the equivalent of 12 full-time jobs, and all this from the base of a 75-acre Devon County Council small-holding. "Barny comes from a non-farming background and has built his business through a mixture of enterprise, the ability to spot an opportunity and sheer hard work. He is a great example to other young people in farming as to what can be achieved, even if you don't have the good fortune to be born into a farming family." As well as growing the market for cider in the West Country, Sandford Orchards cider is also now exported around the world, to countries which include Russia, the USA and China. The business is poised for further expansion. Sandford Orchards have just acquired The Old Ciderworks in Crediton, an early 20th century brick built cider factory which closed in the late '50s and has been a fertiliser store and military surplus yard, but will once again be producing Devon cider. Barny explained: "We have changed from a farming business with a small cider-enterprise, to a cider business which farms, but I remain a farmer at heart and fully intend to continue producing top quality Devon beef, and organic chicken. "Winning this award for the second time really is the icing on the cake. It once again provides affirmation that we are developing the business on the right lines and will be a huge boost to the whole team." The John Neason Award commemorates a former DCAA Honorary Land Agent, who played a key role in the move of the Devon County Show from Whipton to Westpoint in 1990. The award came with a first prize of £750. Alan Quick