THE 2023 award for Sheep Farmer of the Year (sponsored by Crediton Milling) was awarded to Thomas Nancekivell, of Heatham farm in Cornwall.

Upon receiving the award at the South West Farmer Awards 2023 ceremony last November, Tom said: “Wow what a truly incredible honour to be chosen as your sheep farmer of the year!

"With the southwest having some incredible sheep farmers I feel honoured to have won this award and represent the amazing sheep farmers that we have.

“It has certainly been the icing on top of the cake with an incredible show season I have had throughout the southwest putting sheep farmers and agriculture out there and showing the best of what we have to offer to the general public at shows and I will continue to do this as much as I possibly can!”

Tom has had his own flock of sheep since he was just 11-years-old. He farms alongside his dad, Roland Nancekivell and is the third generation on the beef and sheep farm. He farms 550 acres with 500 cattle and 550 breeding ewes.

Tom was chair of Bradworthy Young Farmers Club in 2022 and raised £6,000 for the British Heart Foundation cycling a bathtub around the local YF clubs and ending up at Holsworthy Show. He is chair of the Tarka YFC group  this year.

As well as young farmers, Tom is passionate about attending shows such as the Royal Cornwall Show and one day events such as Woolsery and Holsworthy. He won the interbred champion award at the Royal Cornwall Show in 2023.