The winners of the Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards 2021 have been revealed!

They were honoured in a glitzy online ceremony hosted last night by Herefordshire-born TV presenter Kate Bliss.

She was joined by a series of celebrities who gave messages of good luck to the finalists in a video broadcast on the Hereford Times Facebook page.

The high point of the event was the presentation of the Outstanding Achievement award to 88-year-old David Powell, who also won the Cattle Farmer Award.

Mr Powell has been producing high-quality beef from his herd of Herefords at Awnell's Farm, near Ledbury, all his life.

Mr Powell has won many awards for his livestock, including three reserve championships at the National Smithfield Show.

Hereford Times: Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards 2021Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards 2021

His donation of his farm to the Countryside Restoration Trust was made on the provision that he be allowed to continue farming his famous pedigree herd there for the rest of his life.

The rest of the evening's winners were:

Poultry Farmer Award: Chris White – Ledbury Poultry

Arable/Fruit or Hop Farmer of the Year Award: Tom Davies – E A Davies

Family-Run Farm or Small Holding Award: H & E Rudge

Farm Conservation and Diversification Award: Richard Thomas – Risbury Court Farm

Best Local Food Retailer (exc farm shops): Christine Hope – Hopes of Longtown

Best Dairy Producer Award: Just Rachel

Best Drinks Producer Award: Pixley Berries

Best Restaurant Award: The Riverside at Aymestrey

Best Café or Tearoom Award: The Daily Grind

Best Farm Shop Award: Oakchurch Farm Shop

Best Food Producer (exc dairy) Award: Wild by Nature

The awards were sponsored by:

  • AJ and CI Snell
  • Belmont Farm and Equine Vets
  • mfg solicitors
  • Avara Foods
  • Countryside Restoration Trust
  • Lagan Homes
  • McCartneys Rural
  • Chase Distillery
  • Western Power Distribution
  • Cupid Events
  • Addington Fund
  • Countrystore Whitestone
  • Nuffield Health
  • Duchy of Cornwall