Gallery 2023

Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards Evening

The winner of the BGS Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2023 is Robert Black from Drochil Castle Farm, West Linton, Peeblesshire in Scotland. Robert is a member of the East of Scotland Grassland Society, and was announced as the winner at an Awards Dinner jointly hosted by BGS and Cardigan and District Grassland Society, the local society of last year’s winners Aled and Owain Rees. The event, held at The Cliff Hotel and Spa, Gwbert on Wednesday 25 October, was attended by 80 guests, with very good support from the members of Cardigan and District, Cleddau, and North Pembrokeshire Grassland Societies. We were entertained during the evening by harpist Leia Burge, and the Criw Harmo-ni choir.

Following an introduction from Mr Berwyn Lloyd, Chair of Cardigan and District Grassland Society, head judge Hugh McClymont gave a presentation about the on-farm judging of the competition. Alongside Hugh on the judging panel this year were Philip Cosgrave (Yara), Brent Gibbon (Nufarm) and William Fleming (Germinal). They were joined by Aled and Owain Rees.

In summarising, Hugh McClymont stated that the judges had visited three fantastic farms in three very different locations. All the judges were in agreement that the three farms were a credit to the grassland industry, showing what could be done from a technical, financial and environmental perspective.

Following Hugh’s entertaining talk, BGS President Philip Cosgrave presented the awards to the winner and the runners-up.