Supporting the community

In this Farming Focus™ series opener, podcast host Peter Green explores the potential of a mentor and asks if mentoring someone else can be equally beneficial. He’s joined by TwoCan Mentor founder Helen Wyman and Dorset dairy farmer George Holmes to find out more.

We are delighted to continue our support of the Farm Business Awards in Devon and Cornwall. Run by the Addington Fund, the awards celebrate the success of farmers across the region. Recognising the achievements of local businesses that form the backbone of our community is incredibly important and something we are very proud to champion.

Bicton College student Tia Whitrow has been named Cornish Mutual South West Agricultural Student of the Year. As a prize for this prestigious award, Tia will receive funding to attend a leading agricultural event of her choosing.

On the southern slopes of Dartmoor, the Cleave family has been farming at Higher Mill Leat Farm for more than three decades. The family-run hill farm blends a traditional farming system with modern methods to create a thriving multi-generational business.

Improving efficiencies and embracing new opportunities has always been Andrew and Nicky Branton’s mindset on their Tiverton dairy farm. But this approach has been reinvigorated since their children Izzy and Matthew joined the business.

Family circumstances brought fifth generation farmer George Greed back to the farm sooner than expected but fortitude and resilience are important on Fortescue Farm, where Jilly, Ed and George have demonstrated their determination to create a sustainable future for the farm.

Cornhill Farm in West Cornwall is expanding its education and community outreach programme thanks to a new farm trailer sponsored partly by farming insurance experts Cornish Mutual.

Enterprise stacking is a form of farm diversification with integration and sustainability at its heart. Farmers Tim May and Dave Oates told the Farming Focus™ podcast how they’re stacking enterprises on their farms to build business resilience.