THE winners of the South West Farmer Awards 2024 were revealed at a sparkling ceremony last week. 

The awards, now in their eighth year, celebrate farming heroes who work so hard to put food on our plates. 

Guests enjoyed a three course dinner, a performance from the Exe Valley young farmer's choir, and a raffle that raised funds for the Farming Community Network at the awards night on November 7. 

On arrival, finalists and their guests, alongside sponsors, enjoyed a drink on arrival and a performance from Country Harmonies, two young farmers from Cheriton and Tedburn YFC. 

Held at the Somerset County Cricket Club, winners of 11 awards were revealed by compare Rob Venner. 

The overall winner, and South West Farmer of the Year, is the Bennett Family from DH & C Bennett and Son in Somerset. This award is sponsored by NFU Mutual. 

Roz Hills, south west regional manager of main sponsor NFU Mutual, said: “NFU Mutual remains committed to supporting rural communities, so we are incredibly proud to support the South West Farmer Awards which champion the excellence and dedication of the farming community across the region.

"The quality of this year's finalists has been exceptional, and it was wonderful to attend the awards evening to celebrate their remarkable achievements in 2024. We also extend our congratulations to the winners for their awards and the incredible contributions they make to the agricultural industry in the South West.”

2024 Winners

Young Farmer of the Year (sponsored by Coodes Solicitors)

Maria Warne-Elston, from Tresungers Farm in Cornwall 

The Diversification Award 

Lewis Steer and Flora Searson, from The Dartmoor Shepherd in Devon

Beef Farmer of the Year (sponsored by Crediton Milling)

Geoff Williams, from Tretharrup Farm in Cornwall

Dairy Farmer of the Year (sponsored by A B Agri)

The Bennett Family from DH & C Bennett and Son in Somerset

Sustainable Champion 

Chris and Janet Jones, from Woodland Valley Farm in Cornwall 

Family-run Farm of the Year (sponsored by Harpers Feeds)

The Semmens Family from Raftra Farm in Cornwall 

Sheep Farmer of the Year 

Simon Wakely, from Bhompston Farm in Dorset

Inspirational Women in Agriculture (sponsored by LocalIQ)

Kerry Marks from Brymore Academy in Somerset

Outstanding Achievement (sponsored by NFU Mutual)

Bex Tonks, from Resparveth Farm in Cornwall

Woodland Hero (sponsored by the Forestry Commission) 

Neil Macdonald, from Orchard Park Farm in Somerset

Photographs during the evening were taken by Aisling Magill Photography. 

Jess Chaffey, editor of South West Farmer, said: "It was such a wonderful evening and every single one of our finalists deserved to win. 

"The determination of the farming community deserves to be celebrated, especially after a difficult few years. And although it seems the storms are far from over, the farming community has shown such resilience already, and I know there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

"We hope everyone enjoyed the awards night and thank you to all those who helped to organise the awards, sponsored the event and thank you to all our guests who took part in the raffle."