THE Hereford Times is delighted to launch the Three Counties Food and Farming Awards 2022, with our county’s finest set to be honoured at a glitzy ceremony this summer.

After holding the event online for the past two years because of the Covid pandemic, it is with great pleasure that we can return to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Wednesday, June 15.

In partnership with the Royal Three Counties Show, this year’s event recognises the great and good of the food and farming industries across a dozen award categories.

Agriculture is the biggest industry in Herefordshire and has shaped the landscape and the personality of a county in which about a quarter of all businesses are in the agricultural, forestry or fishing sectors.

It has also given rise to a thriving hospitality industry, one in which we are spoiled for choice when deciding where to eat out and enjoy the very best of what the farming community produces.

The county is steeped in tradition. Herefordshire has historically been famous for its livestock and hops, while apple and pear orchards have dotted the landscape.

But things are changing as farming diversifies to meet modern challenges.

Hereford Times:

“The Hereford Times Food and Farming Awards, now with the support of the Three Counties Showground, has become a keenly anticipated event in the local agricultural calendar,” said Hereford Times editor John Wilson.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a new batch of inspiring nominations this year, and am particularly delighted that – with Covid restrictions lifted – sponsors, guests, finalists and their families will be able to celebrate the awards in person at our gala dinner once again.”

The 2021 event, hosted by Herefordshire-born antiques expert and television presenter Kate Bliss, was expanded to recognise those in the food industry.

Streamed live on the Hereford Times Facebook page, the ceremony culminated with David Powell receiving the Outstanding Achievement prize having already picked up the Cattle Farmer Award.

Mr Powell’s double success came as recognition for a lifetime of producing high-quality beef from his herd of Herefords at Awnell’s Farm, near Ledbury.

The veteran farmer’s accomplishment came on the back of awards for his livestock, including three reserve championships at the National Smithfield Show.

And the 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.

Other winners last year included Chris White of Ledbury Poultry, who collected the Poultry Farmer Award, Tom Davies of EA Davies, the Arable/Fruit or Hop Farmer of the Year Award winner, and the Riverside at Aymestrey, recipient of the Best Restaurant Award.

Celebrities including comedian Jason Manford, World Cup-winning England rugby player Matt Dawson and Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph were among those to pay tribute to the winners during the online broadcast.

How to enter

Entries are now open for the 2022 event, which will take place on Wednesday, June 15.

If you or anyone you know merits recognition for dedication, professionalism or innovation, visit herefordtimes.com/awards/foodandfarming and complete the online form to make a nomination.

Award categories are:

  • Cattle Farmer
  • Poultry Farmer
  • Arable/Fruit or Hop farmer
  • Family-run Farm or Smallholding
  • Farm Conservation and Diversification
  • Best Farm Shop
  • Best Local Food Retailer
  • Best Dairy Producer
  • Best Food Producer (excluding dairy)
  • Best Drinks Producer
  • Best Restaurant

Sponsors who make it all possible

THE Three Counties Showground is steeped in history and tradition, and the perfect venue for this year’s food and farming awards ceremony.

June 15 will see the showground welcome members of the food and farming communities just two days before it hosts this year’s Royal Three Counties Show.

Hosting the show for more than six decades, the Malvern location has become a firm favourite with those in and around the agricultural sector since opening in 1958.

Covering 90 acres in rural Worcestershire, the venue has been the setting for a whole host of events over the years, including the Malvern Spring Show and Malvern Autumn Show.

It is operated by the Three Counties Agricultural Society, set-up in 1797 to promote agriculture, horticulture and food production in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire.

In 2011, and at a cost of £1m, the Three Counties Centre was opened on the site to act as a location for exhibitions, conferences and private parties.

Also on board for this year’s food and farming awards as category sponsors are Western Power Distribution, Wye Valley Brewery and the Countryside Restoration Trust.

Western Power Distribution continues to support these awards following its involvement last year and in 2020.

On this occasion it is backing the Family-run Farm or Smallholding of the Year category, which was won in 2021 by Henry and Esther Rudge, owners of Ballingham Court Farm.

Western Power Distribution is the company responsible for electricity distribution in Wales, the Midlands and the south west of England.

It serves more than eight million customers and employs more than 6,500 members of staff to ensure the highest quality of service.

Regulated by Ofgem, it has been awarded the Government’s Charter Mark, now known as the Customer Service Excellence Award, since 1992.

The Arable/Fruit or Hop Farmer of the Year prize, claimed by Julie and Tom Davies of Upper Court Farm, has Wye Valley Brewery as its sponsor this time around.

After brewing for years for Guinness, Wye Valley Brewery founder Peter Amor decided to branch out on his own in 1985.

His son, Vernon, joined the firm in 1997 and five years later Wye Valley made a former cider mill in Stoke Lacy their home to cope with an ever-growing business.

Since then, Wye Valley Brewery has gone from strength to strength, winning numerous awards for products which have tickled the tastebuds of many in the local area and further afield.

Risbury Court Farm’s Richard Thomas won the Farm Conservation and Diversification Award in 2021, a category which this year has the backing of the Countryside Restoration Trust.

Established in 1993 by Robin Page and the late artist and conservationist Gordon Beningfield, the trust’s aim is to work together to restore a living, working countryside.

It encourages sensitive and sympathetic farming practices that protect wildlife and produce high-quality products.

The Duchy of Cornwall will be sponsoring the Arable Farmer Award.

The duchy’s Herefordshire estates incorporate the Guy’s Estate and the Cradley Estate.

Hereford Times editor John Wilson praised the sponsors for their support of the awards.

“Without them the awards would simply not be possible,” he said.

“The support of such flagship names brings additional credibility and better enables us to identify and reward those in the food and farming industry who do so much, but whose crucial contribution to society rarely gets the recognition it deserves.

“We are delighted to have each and every sponsor with us this year.”