THERE is still time for farmers to enter Devon’s premier agriculture awards, now in their fourth year.

Nominations for the 2017 Devon Farm Business Awards, which celebrate and showcase the best farmers and farming businesses in Devon, can be made until March 24.

The awards are organised by Addington Fund, Stephens Scown LLP and Devon County Agricultural Association.

Richard Maunder, Association Secretary and Chief Executive of the Devon County Agricultural Association said: “I can quite understand that at this time of great uncertainty, farmers have other things on their mind than entering competitions.

“But the fact is that, whatever the future holds, excellence, be that in crop and animal husbandry, business management or marketing, is going to be the key to success. Now, more than ever, we need to be highlighting the very best of Devon farmers and farming, so that they can show the way ahead for farmers everywhere.

“This is not the time for shrinking violets. Devon farming needs to be shouting its qualities from the rooftops. So, come on you Devon farmers! It won’t take long to fill in the entry form, or alternatively, ask someone to nominate you. We need this to be the best supported Devon Farm Business Awards we have yet staged, so as to send a powerful message of confidence in our industry, in our skills and in our products, not just to our customers, but to our politicians as well.”

The categories are: Best Commercial Farmer, Best Dairy Farmer (sponsored by Crediton Dairy), Best Woman in Farming (sponsored by NatWest), The John Neason Diversification Award (sponsored by Devon County Council, County Farms Estate), Devon’s Farming Champion (sponsored by the NFU and NFU Mutual) and Devon’s Best Young Farmer – sponsored by Savills.

A Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Cornish Mutual, will also be presented.

Devon’s Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers, will be awarded to one of the category winners.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the website: www.addingtonfund.org.uk/events.

The shortlisted nominees will be invited to a black tie dinner held on the eve of the Devon County Show, on Wednesday, May 17, where the winners will be announced.