This is your official reminder to nominate a fantastic farmer for a South West Farmer Award 2018.

Previous winners have been delighted to have been nominated, never mind won, as they found it amazing that someone has recognised their hard work and dedication to the job.

Naturally, winning the awards was a particular joy and the awards ceremony was full of smiles for runners up and winners alike.

The categories are: 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.

You can nominate the same farmer for more than one award. Each category nominee will be asked about including enterprise performance, use of technology, environmental considerations, contribution to the community/agricultural industry and vision/marketing strategy. The answers are then judged by a panel of sponsors.

Supported by industry experts, the awards 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: “The great thing about these awards is that it's a chance to shine the spotlight on the farmers that provide our food. There is much uncertainty at present within the industry but the awards are wholly positive and a way to shout about the vital role farms play in caring for livestock, producing food and looking after the environment.

"I encourage everyone who knows a farmer to nominate them - share the feelgood factor and put them forward to win on this regional stage."

It takes just a few minutes to nominate a farmer online at southwestfarmer.co.uk/awards or by sending the nomination form to South West Farmer Awards nominations 2018, South West Farmer Newspaper, Falmouth Business Park, Bickland Water Road, Falmouth, TR11 4SZ or e-mail to editorial@southwestfarmer.co.uk. The closing date for nominations is August 31.

This year Cornwall Channel will be live streaming the black tie awards ceremony. Sponsored by Cornish Mutual, this year’s event will be held on Thursday, November 8, at the Colin Atkinson Pavilion at Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, Somerset. Coodes Solicitors, Mole Valley, Natural Generation and Old Mill are also sponsoring the awards.