A WEALTH of stars from the south west have been announced as finalists in the British Farming Awards 2024. 

Hosted by Farmers Guardian and powered by Agriconnect, the awards will take place on October 17 at The Vox Birmingham.

Television presenter Vernon Kay will host the awards ceremony, which celebrates a range of farming heroes with awards such as Sheep Farmer of the Year, New entrant of the Year and more. 

"I am thrilled to be back hosting the British Farming Awards," he said.

"The dedication and innovation displayed by farmers across the UK are truly inspiring, and I am honoured to be a part of celebrating their achievements."

South west finalists 

Agricultural Student of the Year 

  • Elin Rattray, Harper Adams University 
  • Holly Bonner, Bridgwater & Taunton College of University Centre Somerset 
  • Kestrel Lambert, Royal Agricultural University 

Arable Farmer of the Year 

  • Ashley Jones, RM Jones, Cornwall 

Content Creator of the Year 

  • Thomas Turner, KWS, Wiltshire 

Contractor of the Year  

  • Bobby, Michael and Richard Barnes, Barnes Contracting Ltd, Devon 
  • Will Odam, Philip Odam Agricultural Services Ltd, Gloucestershire 

Diversification of the Year (Small to Medium) (sponsored by NFU Mutual) 

  • Ruth & Jonathan Powell, Elmwicke Campsite, J M & R Powell, Gloucestershire 

Family Farming Business of the Year (sponsored by Goodyear Farm Tyres) 

  • The Bennett Family, DH & C Bennett and Son, Somerset  
  • The Fry Family, Harry's Cider Company, Somerset 

 New Entrant Award: Against the Odds (sponsored by Massey Ferguson)

  • Sam & Samantha Edwards, Edwards Farming Partnership, Dorset 

Sustainable Farmer of the Year (sponsored by NSF) 

  • David Oates, Rosuick Farm, Cornwall  

To see a full list of finalists, visit the British Farming Awards website. 

The Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture and Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture (sponsored by Eternit) awards will be announced on the night.