Celebrating farming success
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.
“We’re hugely grateful for Cornish Mutual’s support of our Farm Business Awards — it means so much to us and the farming community,” said Sue English, Fund Director of Addington Fund.
“Their backing helps us highlight the hard work and dedication of farmers, celebrating their achievements and inspiring the future of the industry. Support from local organisations like Cornish Mutual is vital in keeping rural communities strong and ensuring a bright future for farming."
The Devon Farm Business Awards are coming up soon on 14 May ahead of the Devon County Show. As well as being Principal Sponsor again this year, we are proud to be sponsoring the new Best Family Farm award, celebrating multi-generational businesses with a shared, long-term vision for the future.
The Cornwall Farming Business Awards are held in October and at last year’s awards, Ben Thomas was named Rising Star, the award sponsored by Cornish Mutual. Alongside his wife Claudia, Ben farms on the edge of Bodmin Moor rearing beef, sheep and pigs using a regenerative system.
For Ben, receiving the award was a proud moment: “To be recognised in such a positive way by my farming peers, who will always be the biggest critics, was reassuring and it has given me the confidence to push on down the path we are going.
“Farming can be an isolating industry to work in, and poor mental health is a real issue, so celebrating success and bringing in some positivity is important. Highlighting farmers who are doing a great job only helps to inspire others to do the same.”
Ahead of this year’s awards, Ben encourages local farmers to enter and nominate others: “Connections are everything in your career, and so being able to showcase what you are doing to the judges is a great opportunity. To then be shortlisted and potentially win is a brilliant way to boost your ‘brand’. If you are looking for progression and ways to test yourself, go for it!”
Nominations for the Cornwall Farm Business Awards open in June. To find out more visit: https://www.farmbusinessawards.org.uk/opening-soon-cornwall