Farmers who are focusing on the future were recognised today (Friday).
The winners of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s ‘Tomorrow’s Farmer’ award, sponsored by Shoprite, were announced at a ceremony at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.
Tim and Maria Johnston, of Ballavarry Farm, Andreas, captivated judges with their enthusiasm to improve and expand their business by focusing on the requirements of the market.
The couple farm 396 acres and have 205 Holstein Friesian dairy cows supplying milk to Isle of Man Creamery.
The couple secured a farm tenancy against the odds while young and were awarded a Prince’s Trust scholarship to help start their business.
Maria recently gave up an 18-year career in administration and consultancy to focus on the farm, while Tim is on the board of Isle of Man Creamery, having previously been dairy sector chairman with the Manx National Farmers’ Union.
Judges noted:
‘Tim and Maria are clearly focusing on the future and are well-placed to meet any challenges that come their way.’
The Judges’ Special Award for a Young Farmer went to David Collister, of Southampton Farm, Port Soderick, who impressed the judges with his focused and positive approach to farming and belief in its future.
David farms 340 acres and has improved the business considerably since acquiring it in 2004. He has 190 dairy cows and maximises his efficiency with well-managed grass, reducing his reliance on the purchase of fertiliser.
Evidence of his expertise in this area came last year when he won the British Grassland Farmer of the Year competition.
John Speakman, senior buyer with Shoprite and a judge, presented the winners with Shoprite vouchers worth £200, glass trophies and certificates.
The other finalists – Bryan Radcliffe of Rye Hill Farm, Regaby and Carl Huxham, Cronk Aalin Dairy, Sulby – were each presented with £50 in Shoprite vouchers and certificates and congratulated for making it to the shortlist.
Mr Speakman’s fellow judges were David Brew, Vice President of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, Dr Peter McEvoy, Director of Agriculture with DEFA, and Ean Parsons, last year’s Tomorrow’s Farmer winner.
They visited shortlisted farms and assessed their efficiency and profitably, their focus on customers, their efforts to promote local food production, their plans to diversify the business and their conservation activity.
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:
‘It’s important for the future of the economy and the environment that farmers look to the future, adapt and diversify.
‘The Government’s Vision 2020 strategy identifies a distinctive local food and drink industry as an important area of development. Its Food Matters strategy sets out how we will grow the food and drink sector by £50 million in the next decade. Its food security strategy highlights the importance of a robust, market-focused and competitive food industry in the Isle of Man.
‘Farmers are at the heart of all of this and I congratulate today’s winners for their vision, enthusiasm and hard work. Indeed, when I see the calibre of this year’s entrants, who would compare well to any farmers throughout Europe, I am even more confident that, together, we can continue to develop and grow the industry.’
Mr Speakman said:
‘Manx-produced food is important to our business and our customers and it is reassuring to know that there is a strong commitment to the industry’s future. I was particularly impressed by the innovation and determination to succeed showed by these committed, forward-looking, commercially driven young people.’
