IT’s that time of year once again when farmers from across the south west are invited to take part in the South West Farmer Awards 2018.

Organised by the highly regarded South West Farmer newspaper, 2017’s awards cemented its position as one of the leading agricultural award evenings in the south west.

Sponsored by Cornish Mutual, the event will be held on Thursday, November 8 at the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, Somerset, the home of county cricket.

Do you know of any farmers or farming families that are deserving of recognition? Then it is time to get nominating.

Categories this year include: Farmhand of the Year, Organic Farmer of the year, Innovation Award, Farm Manager of the Year, Sheep Farmer of the Year, Beef Farmer of the Year, Dairy Farmer of the Year, Arable Farmer of the Year, Outstanding Achievement of the Year, Green Farmer of the Year, Family Run Farm of the Year, Young Farmer of the Year, Farmhand of the Year, Organic Farmer of the Year and the Innovation Award. Each category nominee will have to meet set criteria, including enterprise performance, use of technology, environmental considerations, contribution to the community/agricultural industry and vision/marketing strategy.

All nominations will be judged by the panel of sponsors. The South West Farmer Awards give the farming industry in the south west a chance to stand up and be recognised with an emphasis on future and forward-thinking farmers.

Supported by industry experts, the event gives local farmers, suppliers, breeders and everyone involved in the industry the recognition they deserve for the tremendous work they do throughout the year.

South West Farmer editor Paul Armstrong said: “Once again we are looking forward to celebrating this year’s farming heroes. Those in the farming community who have gone that extra mile and are the best at what they do and really made a difference to their community.

“Nominations are open now so make sure you get hold of one of the nomination forms either in the South West Farmer newspaper, or complete them online at southwestfarmer.co.uk;/awards or look out for them at agricultural shows in the south west throughout the summer.”

Other sponsors for the awards include Coodes Solicitors, Mole Valley and New Generation.

To nominate for any of the above categories simply fill in the nomination form in the paper or online at southwestfarmer.co.uk/awards and either send it to South West Farmer Awards nominations 2017, South West Farmer Newspaper, Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, TR11 4SZ or e-mail to editorial@southwestfarmer.co.uk

Nominations are open now - the closing date will be June 30, 2018.