Hunt for the regions best farms is launched

Its that time of the year again when the hunt for the regions best farms is launched.

The Suffolk Agricultural Association needs to hear from you, as there are just three weeks to enter the annual Suffolk Farm Business Competition. The search for the best in three categories is now on. We are delighted to announce that once again the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Consultants have agreed to sponsor the event.

The competition is divided into three entry categories: Small farms (up to 200 hectares), Medium Farms (200-399 hectares) and Large farms (over 400 hectares) .Entry is also open to farm contractors so an owner can enter his farm which is run using a contractor for day to day operations or a contractor can enter his total business, comprising the land he either owns or hires as a base and his subsequent contract farming operations.

Farms are judged from first to third place in each category and winners receive a trophy. Special awards are given for Best Crop, Livestock Enterprise and Conservation and the closing date is June 8^th.

Judges this year will be visiting from Peterborough and Northamptonshire and will assess the whole business and management of the farms, including enterprise management, marketing, employment and investment strategy. Business sustainability of land occupation including product development, diversification and long-term development as well as the farms social and community involvement including local education, public land use or employment activities will all be taken into account.

Show Director and Mendlesham farmer David Nunn said; This competitions seeks the farm businesses that plan, prepare and practice the best standards in their sector. Has the business challenged the norm, returned exceptional standards of return and margins, marketed to the public and does it display a strong desire to enhance the environment? I would urge farmers to enter this competition as the recognition is great to add to your marketing messages and along with other standards and awards it demonstrates that the farm is managed to a high standard that is worthy of being judged.

Our independent judges comment that they often see some of the highest standards of farming in this competition. Dont be put off! Newcomers are always welcomed and many have done very well at their first attempt!

Christopher Bushby of the Suffolk Agricultural Association commented that, Last years competition was very well supported, and we hope to attract the same level and quality of entries again this year for this popular competition. We are grateful that the AMC and Robinson and Hall are once again supporting the competition and look forward to receiving a good number of entries and running another successful competition.

Chris Leney of Robinson & Hall added, Robinson and Hall are delighted to have the opportunity to support this excellent competition. There is no doubt that Suffolk farmers are at the forefront of their industry and this competition is an excellent opportunity for them to shout about what they are doing for farming and the industry as a whole.

Sue Allington, Regional Agricultural Manager for AMC East Anglia commented: I am very pleased that AMC have the opportunity to support the competition again this year. We are delighted to continue to encourage sound and well run farming businesses and the competition really does promote the excellence of Suffolk farming in terms of farm practice and farm investment strategies.

Judging will take place on 21 and 22 June, with the presentations taking place at the winning large farm on July 7^th. Entry is free, but entrants must be members of the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

Further details and entry forms can be obtained from Sue Bennitt at the SAA Offices on 01473 707112 or at the Suffolk Show on June 1 and 2 or by email: sue.bennitt@suffolkshow.co.uk.

Last year the large farm category was won by John Brown and Sons of Bury St Edmunds who farms 829 hectares, the majority wheat, but also sugar beet and oil seed rape.

His diversification projects include a carp and coarse fishery, trout fishery, wedding and events venues, holiday lets, soil blending as well as commercial and residential lettings.

Winners in the medium farms category were Ash Farm Partners All Saints, Halesworth, who also picked up the award for the best livestock enterprise.

And first in the small farms category were Jason and Katharine Salisbury, who farm 60 dairy cattle on 85 acres, at Whitegate Farm, Creeting St Mary and produce Suffolk Blue and Gold Cheese.