Three farmers have been named winners in the county for their best practice in agriculture.
The Cambridgeshire farms competition run every two years and promotes excellence in the industry by providing a platform for estate tenants to showcase their talent and hard work.
John Barnett, of Pantile Farm, Soham, won the Coronation Bowl for best county farm.
Matthew Elliot of Bettys Nose Farm, Benwick, won the Jubilee Cup for best diversification of a county farm.
Andrew Wagstaffe won the Christopher Burton Memorial Cup for being best new entrant.
Councilor Josh Schumann, Cambridgeshire County Council’s chair of commercial and investment committee, said: “It’s great to see all the growing talent we have in Cambridgeshire.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners and encourage more tenants to come forward and take advantage of this platform to showcase their hard work. I am looking forward to what the next round of this competition will bring.”
The event was judged by Edward Tabner, of Cheffins, and William Haire from the East of England Agricultural Society.
John, of Soham, has been on the estate for 15 years and runs a livery yard alongside the farm.
A new 1,000 tonne grain store has recently been constructed on the holding and he impressed the judges with his enthusiasm for farming, diversified enterprises and passion for wildlife and the environment.
Matthew, of Benwick, joined the estate in 2012. He specialises in producing pork, lamb, beef and turkeys and runs a hog roast business called ‘Piggin Great’.
Judges were captivated with his home-produced meat, support of local farmers markets and connection with local community and engaging with and encouraging Young Farmers.
Andrew was recognised after joining the estate in 2012. At the time of judging he farmed at Jubilee Farm in Chatteris, Andrew has since moved to a larger holding on Marshalls Farm in Farcet.
He impressed the judges with his ambitious nature and grasp of cost monitoring and finance, along with the range of crops grown and sold under his own brand ‘Grown Local’.
This new award is named after Christopher Burton, a longstanding officer who had a particular interest in promoting young farmers and new entrants. Christopher unfortunately lost his battle with cancer in April 2015 and this award was created in his memory. It is presented to the best new entrant within their first five years on the Estate.
• The next farms competition is due to be hosted in summer 2019 – for regular updates read the County Farms newsletters on the website
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here