Over 350 attended the event at the Culloden Estate and Spa, where 16 awards were presented honouring individuals, businesses, events and societies from the agri-food industry.
The evening was sponsored by Leprino, with the support of category sponsors Action Renewables, AFBI NI, Christian Aid Ireland, Eakin Bros, Golden Cow, Lantra, Openreach, RJ Woodland, RSPB NI, Royal Ulster Agricultural Society and Share Energy, as well as Carson McDowell (programmes sponsor), Nugent Trailers (winners trophies sponsor), and Quilter Cheviot (table plan sponsor).
Ruth Rodgers, editor of Farming Life and FarmWeek commented: “Tonight is about success. It is about recognising excellence, innovation, commitment and achievement. But perhaps most importantly, it is about recognising the people behind those achievements — the farmers, families, workers and businesses who keep Northern Ireland producing, keep our rural communities thriving, and play such a vital role in our food chain and economy.”
The prestigious ‘lifetime achievement award’ went to William John Henry, of the Northern Counties Co-operative Enterprises Ltd.
With over thirty years of selfless voluntary leadership, William has expertly guided NCCE Ltd through growth and adversity. His lifelong dedication to agriculture, combined with distinguished professional service, makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Winners on the night:
Sustainable Initiative of the Year – Sponsored by RJ Woodland - Ballydown Milk
Sustainable Farm of the Year – Sponsored by Action Renewables - Jonny Blair, Blairs Farm
Farming Event of the Year - RedHouse Holstein Open Day & World Wide Sires progeny showcase, RedHouse Holstein & Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
Farming Society of the Year - Clogher Valley Agricultural Society
Farm Diversification Award – Sponsored by Christian Aid Ireland - Flavour First
Family Business of the Year - Wilsons of Rathkenny
Innovation in Agriculture – Sponsored by Openreach - Rathlin Wool Rope
Agri-Food Business of the Year – Sponsored by Golden Cow (Kinisla) - Pilgrim’s Europe
Nature Friendly Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by RSPB NI - George Ferguson
Training and Skills Development Award – Sponsored by Lantra - ABP Angus Youth Challenge in partnership with Certified Irish Angus
Farm Shop of the Year - Primacy Meats Food Village
Farm Safety Affiliate Award – Sponsored by Royal Ulster Agricultural Society - Northern Ireland Safety Group
Unsung Hero Award – Sponsored by AFBI NI - Robert Davis, Laurelview Social Farm
Young Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Eakin Bros - Allister Crawford
Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Share Energy - Jonny Blair
Lifetime achievement - sponsored by Leprino - William John Henry, Northern Counties Co-operative Enterprises Ltd
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Sustainable Farm of the Year was won by Jonny Blair. He is pictured with Lana Moore, Head of Charity Delivery with sponsor Action Renewables, and compere Tim McGarry Photo: Brian Thompson
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Farming Society of the Year went to Clogher Valley Show. Representatives are pictured with Gareth Mellon, Iconic Media Group, and compere Tim McGarry Photo: Brian Thompson
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Farming Event of the Year went to the RedHouse Holstein Open Day and World Wide Sires progeny show case, in aid of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland. Members of the Irwin family and representatives of World Wide Sires are pictured with Diane Burke, Iconic Media Group and compere Tim McGarry Photo: Brian Thompson
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Family Business of the Year went to Wilsons of Rathkenny, pictured with Sinead Faulkner, Iconic Media Group, and Tim McGarry, compere Photo: Brian Thompson