Finalists for NI Farming Awards 2026 revealed

A wide range of businesses and individuals have been shortlisted for the 16 categories with all the winners being revealed at a black tie in the Culloden Hotel and Spa on Thursday, 17th September.

The main sponsor this year is Leprino, the world's largest producer of mozzarella cheese and a leading manufacturer of other high-quality dairy ingredients.

For over 11 years, the Farming Awards have been celebrating innovation, diversification, talent and entrepreneurship across the agricultural sector in Northern Ireland.

A sector built on dedication, resilience and growth, it continues to thrive through the hard work and commitment of the individuals and businesses who work tirelessly to feed communities, protect the countryside and drive the industry forward.

Tickets to the event can be purchased via http://nifarmingawards.co.uk/

Full list of this year’s finalists:

Sustainable Initiative of the Year – Sponsored by RJ Woodland

- Agridrones NI

- Ballydown Milk

Sustainable Farm of the Year – Sponsored by Action Renewables

- Ballydown Milk

- Jonny Blair, Blairs Farm

- Moyletra Moileds

- Pleaskin farm

Farming Event of the Year

- Arable NI 2026, Ulster Farmers’ Union, Ulster Arable Society and CAFRE

- Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2026, Ulster’s Farmers Union

- Farmers' Choir NI Spring Concert

- Fields Good, GrowIn CIC

- Flavour First

- Lamb and Local, Shanaghan Hill Farm

- RedHouse Holstein Open Day & World Wide Sires progeny showcase, RedHouse Holstein & Air Ambulance Northern Ireland

Farming Society of the Year

- AgriClub, St Colmans High and Sixth Form College

- Clogher Valley Agricultural Society

- Farmers' Choir Northern Ireland

- Irish Moiled Cattle Society

- Lurgan & District Horse & Cattle Show Society Ltd

- Nature Friendly Farming Network

- Rathfriland Farmer Co-Operative Society LTD

Farm Diversification Award – Sponsored by Christian Aid Ireland

- Agridrones NI

- Ballydown Milk

- Crawfords Rock Ltd, Seaweed Safari

- Flavour First

- Long Meadow Cider LTD

- Lough Neagh Mirror Houses

- The Lamb Van

- Trench Farm Ballycastle

Family Business of the Year

- Fisherwick Farm

- Flavour First

- J Alexander & Son Agricultural Machinery Sales

- Killen Bros Agricultural Contractors

- Long Meadow Cider LTD

- Mountpanther Farm Park

- RL Produce, The Lyttle Family

- Wilsons of Rathkenny

Innovation in Agriculture – Sponsored by Openreach

- FarmFlow

- Flavour First

- irelandcattleprice.com

- Mallon Linen

- McCauley Trailers

- Rathlin Wool Rope

- Slurryquip

- YourHonestyBox

Agri-Food Business of the Year – Sponsored by Golden Cow (Kinisla)

- Abernethy Butter Ltd

- Pilgrim's Europe

- RL Produce Limited

- The Lamb Van

Nature Friendly Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by RSPB NI

- David Knox

- George Ferguson

- James McQuillan

- John McElroy

- Jonny Blair

- Ruaidhrí O'Maolagáin

- Sam Bonnar

- William Wilson

Training and Skills Development Award – Sponsored by Lantra

- ABP Angus Youth Challenge in partnership with Certified Irish Angus

- Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and CAFRE

- Ulster Wildlife EFS Group

Farm Shop of the Year

- Clarkhill Farm

- Colemans Farm Shop

- Fisherwick Farm

- Ithiel Farm Shop

- Loughside Farm

- Moyletra Moileds

- NCCE Country Store

- Primacy Meats Food Village

Farm Safety Affiliate Award – Sponsored by Royal Ulster Agricultural Society

- FarmFlow

- Northern Ireland Safety Group (NISG)

- Translink - Infrastructure & Projects Division

Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by AFBI NI

- Jeffrey Flynn

- Jenna Morris

- Robert Davis

- Terrence Quinn

Young Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Eakin Bros

- Allister Crawford

- Ben O'Connor

- Madison Rafferty

- Tiernan McSwiggan

Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Share Energy

- David Irwin

- George Ferguson

- James Barr

- Jonny Blair

- Roy Lyttle

- Michael Patton

Lifetime achievement - sponsored by Leprino – to be announced on the night

Other sponsors on the night include Carson McDowell (programme sponsor) and Nugent Trailers (trophy sponsor) and Quilter Cheviot (table plan sponsor).

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