THE OWNER of a farm near Ledbury said she is more motivated than ever to succeed after being named sheep farmer of the year.

Annie Carr, of the Brays in Bosbury, scooped the prize in the Farmers Weekly Awards 2024. 

Miss Carr has always been involved in country life, growing up on the family farm. 

In 2020, she decided to go it alone and started her own business. She keeps her own crossbreed ewes, and carries out contract shepherding work as well.

She said: "I have always loved farming, my parents were kicked off their farm so  I was determined to make a go of it myself. 

"I have been working so much ever since to make a success of the business."

After being nominated for sheep farmer of the year, Miss Carr filled out a form to send off to Farmers Weekly. 

Her application was then whittled down into the last three entries and judges visited her farm for the final assessment. 

The judges looked at all aspects of her business, including looking at her sheep and their performance as well as her financial figures. 

Judges praised her for her clear business objectives, meticulous husbandry, and sound grassland management. 

She was also congratulated for her thorough knowledge of the technical and financial data needed to measure and monitor performance.

After months of waiting, Miss Carr finally found out she had won at an awards ceremony in London on October 3.

She added: "I was delighted to win, I didn't know before the ceremony that I'd get the award - I still don't even know who nominated me in the first place. 

"I am proud of myself as all my hard work has paid off, now I just want to keep working and progress my business.

"There were so many people there and I had a table of ten of us there to celebrate which was great. 

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"We had a really good party after the awards ceremony but there are no grand plans to mark the win now I have got back home, I have got straight back to work and back to reality. 

"Winning this award has given me motivation to keep driving forward and continuing to be successful."

Herefordshire farmers have a tradition of performing well at the annual awards. Previous award winners include the Rudge family from Ballingham Court, near Ross-on-Wye, who came out on top in two classes in 2021.

And last year, Nigel Edwards of Clehonger-based Whittal Poultry was named poultry farmer of the year.

The Farmers Weekly Awards are the most prestigious awards in the agriculture industry.

They aim to recognise the achievements of farmers across the country, celebrating farming and putting farmers centre stage.

Farmers Weekly said the 2024 awards ceremony was a grand celebration, with it being a milestone year of the 20th year anniversary of the awards, and the 90th year anniversary of the Farmers Weekly publication.

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Farmers Weekly Awards, which is open to all farmers and people working in the agriculture industry.

"Whether they have been outstanding in business, farming innovation or they are just passionate about their work, this is your chance to put them through to win an award," Farmers Weekly said.

Anyone wishing to be considered for judging in the 2025 awards must complete the Farmers Weekly online entry form by April 30, 2025, to be considered for judging. 

To nominate a farmer or agricultural worker for the 2025 awards, visit fweeawards.evessiocloud.com/farmersweeklyawards2025/en/page/home and fill out the online form.