THE winners of the Three Counties Food and Farming awards, which celebrate businesses in the farming industry from across Herefordshire and the wider area, have been announced.
After holding the event online for the past two years because of the Covid pandemic, it was a great pleasure to see it return to the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Wednesday night (June 15).
In partnership with the Royal Three Counties Show, this year’s event recognised the great and good of the food and farming industries across a dozen award categories.
The winners were honoured in a glitzy online ceremony hosted by journalist of 35 years and former daily newspaper editor Rob Stokes.
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People gathered for photos and drinks while businesses recognised one another.
At their tables people shared anecdotes and stories of how they got to be where they are today.
Then came the part that everyone had been waiting for – the awards.
The high point of the event was the presentation of the outstanding contribution to food and farming award to 83-year-old Thomas James-Moore, who received a standing ovation from the rest of the nominees showing their gratitude and support.
Mr James-Moore set up Houghton Court Farm, in Bodenham, with his son Tim in 2003, which is a social farm providing training and therapeutic activities in rural skills for a range of disadvantaged and disabled people.
He has also established an older person’s community in Bodenham which is now 50 years old.
“I am speechless. Absolutely incredible, I am very flattered,” said Mr James-Moore.
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The poultry farm award was won by Tim Clarke, of Farmer Clarke’s Eggs.
“I am truly honoured. I’d like to thank everyone, and we will continue to go from strength to strength,” he said.
Next was the best dairy producer award, won by Berry’s Luxury Ice Cream.
“We are really surprised. Thank you to the team we couldn’t do it without them.
“We are so pleased to have won the award for the second year in a row,” said a spokesperson.
The winner of the cattle farmer award was Rob Havard, of Phepson Angus.
“It is a huge honour to have won, and all the other nominees were fantastic,” said Mr Havard.
Leigh Ayland, of Oakfield Growers, won the best food producer award.
“I am surprised but thank you. It is much appreciated,” he said.
The arable and fruit farmer of the year award was given to Richard and Alison Capper, of Stocks Farm.
Next up was the best drinks producer award which was won by Pixley Berries.
“It is fantastic. We are a very family-orientated company, combining traditional family value and sustainability for forward thinking farming,” said a spokesperson.
Will Kirby and Henry Smith, of Brook House Hops, won the hop farmer of the year award.
The best bakery award went to owners of Nizi Bakery David and Jane Nizi.
“It is amazing. I am speechless. The bakers in this country are incredible, so to have won this is a huge honour,” he said.
The next winner was for the best butcher’s award, which was won by Hanks Meat and Game.
“We are shocked and amazed,” said a spokesperson.
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The winner of the best farm shop award went to Clive’s fruit farm, which is owned by Charlie and Jane Clive.
“It is amazing. This makes all the hard work really worth it,” said Mrs Clive.
Ed Godsall and Hannah Graham, of Moor Court Farm, won the family-run far or small-holding of the year award.
“It was pretty amazing. All the hard work has paid off and it was a nice accolade for the farm,” said Mr Godsall.
Winner of the farm and diversity award was Thomas James-Moore, of The Houghton Project.
“My son Timothy James-Moore was instrumental in setting the project up,” said Thomas.
Timothy said: “The award is well deserved.”
The chef of the year award went to James Mearing, of Green Cow Kitchens at Crumplebury.
“We are really delighted and deeply proud of James,” said a spokesperson.
The awards were sponsored by:
- Royal Three Counties Show
- CRT
- ADAS
- Avara Foods
- Western Power Distribution
- Tanners Wine Merchants
- We are Farming Minds
- Belmont Farm and Equine Vets
- Nuffield Health
- Wye Valley Brewery
- Duchy of Cornwall
- mfg Solicitors
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