THE inaugural Cumbria Farmer Awards will be judged by a panel of respected industry experts and specialists from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. Headed by Andrew Robinson, partner and head of agriculture and farming at Carlisle-based business advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson, our headline sponsors, who are also sponsoring a further category, the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the drinks reception. Andrew will be partnered in the search to find farming’s unsung heroes, by Alistair Mackintosh, west Cumbrian beef and sheep farmer and chairman of Red Tractor Assurance, as well as the National Farmers Union Cumbrian council delegate; Ian Bowness, Aspatria dairy farmer and NFU county chairman’; Agricultural Partner at David Allen Accountants in Dalston, Michael Peile; Julia Aglionby, Armathwaite farmer and Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land; Lois Mansfield, Professor of Upland Landscapes, and Director of Ambleside Campus; Sharon Sloan, Lely Ce
THE inaugural Cumbria Farmer Awards will be judged by a panel of respected industry experts and specialists from a wide spectrum of backgrounds. Headed by Andrew Robinson, partner and head of agriculture and farming at Carlisle-based business advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson, our headline sponsors, who are also sponsoring a further category, the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the drinks reception. Andrew will be partnered in the search to find farming’s unsung heroes, by Alistair Mackintosh, west Cumbrian beef and sheep farmer and chairman of Red Tractor Assurance, as well as the National Farmers Union Cumbrian council delegate; Ian Bowness, Aspatria dairy farmer and NFU county chairman’; Agricultural Partner at David Allen Accountants in Dalston, Michael Peile; Julia Aglionby, Armathwaite farmer and Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land; Lois Mansfield, Professor of Upland Landscapes, and Director of Ambleside Campus; Sharon Sloan, Lely Ce
First impressions are crucial for the Straughans We cross the Border this week for our latest Contractors Yard feature on the very much family run business, JO Straughan and Co, which covers Northumberland areas as well as the Scottish Borders, based at Netherton Park, Morpeth, Northumberland. Husband and wife duo, Roger and Sandra, now run the business alongside their son, David and his wife Debbie, and their second son, Stuart. The team provide an extensive range of services to meet the needs of their customers from single operations through to full farm contracts. “We always endeavour to get it right first time, you may never get a second chance, which is why we try to operate with the latest machinery and equipment and keep our kit new to ensure reliability,” said Roger, who runs a team of eight staff through the winter and by the summer there will be 16 employees on the go.
Addingham & District Sheep Breeders’ Association staged its 14th annual show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart when local farmer Chris Ryder stepped up with the supreme champion for the second year running, a North of England Mule wether lamb which netted a whopping £1,150 when later sold not once, but multiple times in aid of Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Oxenhope. The victor was one of many lambs and additional sale items donated by ever-generous local farming communities, along with other kind-hearted individuals, and the West Yorkshire hospice this year benefited to the tune of £4,121 in total. The fact that this was on a par with last year’s overall figure proved a superb result when bearing in mind restrictions governing the reduced number of people currently allowed in auction mart sale rings in order to ensure safe distancing. Over the years, the seasonal showcase has raised over £50,000 for Sue Ryder Manorlands.
A SHOW and sale has raised £4,121 for Manorlands. Organisers of the 14th annual Addingham & District Sheep Breeders’ Association event, at Skipton Auction Mart, were delighted with its success. Despite reduced numbers being permitted in the sale ring to allow for social distancing, the amount raised was on a par with last year. Many lambs and other sale items were donated to boost funds for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice. A North of England Mule wether lamb from Blubberhouses farmer Chris Ryder won him the supreme champion title for the second year running and it netted £1,150 when sold multiple times. Over the years, the seasonal showcase has raised more than £50,000 for the hospice.