THE farm charity Addington Fund has announced the shortlist for the prestigious 2017 Cornwall Farm Business Awards, which will be held today (Thursday).

The event will be held at The Pavilion Centre in Wadebridge and a number of farmers from the Post’s area have been shortlisted for the various farming awards.

Chief executive of the Addington Fund, Ian Bell, said: “This is a night to celebrate the incredible farming businesses that are throughout the county of Cornwall.

“The enterprising and innovative spirit demonstrated and world class standars achieved on the region farms is truly astounding and deserves to be recognised.

“This event, which could not take place without the very generous support of our sponsors, gives us the opportunity to showcase the very best of Cornish farming, as well as raise vital funds for our charity, which in turn allow us to offer affordable housing to anyone currently working in, or retired from, an agricultural or a land based industry.”

The principal partner Stephens Scown sponsors the Cornwall Farm Business Awards. The awards are also supported by the West Cornwall, Coast to Coast, Atlantic and Moor and South and East Cornwall ‘LEADER’ local action groups.

Partner and head of the rural team at Stephens Scown, Phil Reed, said: “Farming is not just a job, it is a way of life. When times are tough and there is uncertainty, like we face at the moment, there is much more than people’s livelihoods at stake. That is why getting together and sharing success through events like the Cornwall Farm Business Awards is so important.

“And there is so much to celebrate: from young farmers bringing their energy and enthusiasm into the industry, to established farmers introducing innovations and finding better ways of working.”

Nominees for the five award categories set to be announced tonight are:

Best Dairy Farmer — John Osborne, NR & SL Osborne, Tobarn, Jacobstowe; Hayden Jenkin, Treworgie Farm, Manaccan; Neil Parkhouse, Treveor Farm, Gorran; James Johns, Sicty Acres Farm Ltd, Zelah.

Best Commercial Farmer — Barry, Joan and Gareth Jones, Lidcott Farm, Laneast; Andrew White, Penwine Famr, St mabyn; Andrew and Claire Brewer, F G Brewer & Sons (Farms) Ltd, Fraddon.

Best Farm Processor — The Cornish Cheese Co Ltd, Knowle Farm, Upton Cross; Southern England Farms Ltd, Lambo, Leedstown.

Best Young Farmer — Robert Halliday, Cornish Valley Farming, Tremeer Farm, Pensilva; Ben Jacobs, contractor at C P Richards & Sons Ltd, Trembethow, Lelant Downs; Ross Symons, EB, ME, WR Symons, Treburthes Farm, Ruan High Lanes.

Best Beef Farmer —Andrew Ham, Lower Farms, Higher Basil, St Clether; Mark Pilcher, Gear Farm, Zennor; Steve and Bridgette Clamp, High Trenowin Farm, Nancledra.

Three additional categories will be awarded on the night — Woman in Famring, Farming Champion and Cornwall’s Farmer of the Year.

Judging for the awards has already taken place and the winners will be announced at tonight’s ceremony.