The Royal Northern Agricultural Society (RNAS) has issued a call for entries to this year’s good farming practice award.
The award, which is sponsored by Aberdeenshire Council, is open to any farmer in the region showing good practice in his or her farming business.
Farmers and agricultural business are urged to nominate their friends and neighbours if they think they are a worthy candidate.
Once entries have been submitted, the farms will be visited by this year’s judge, Martin Birse, who is the farm manager at Pitgaveny Farms, Elgin.
Last year’s award, which was focused on finding an exemplary “traditional farmer”, was won by north-east sheep-breeding family, the Ingrams of Logie Durno.
The family – William and Carole and their three children, Gregor, Bruce and Amy – run nearly 2,000 ewes from eight different breeds at Logie Durno farm, near Inverurie.
They were praised for their on-farm tup sale, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, and for their focus on grassland management.
The runner-up prize went to the Allan family – Dougie and sons David and Stuart – of Melrose Farms, near Gamrie, Banff.
The Allans, who run a 1,400-acre arable enterprise, were praised for their business management and ability to see opportunities and grasp them.
Nominations for this year’s award must be submitted to RNAS secretary Alison Argo by e-mail at secretary@rnas.info.
A farm walk to see around the business of last year’s winners takes place on Wednesday, July 6. The event, which takes place at Logie Durno Farm, near Pitcaple, Inverurie, starts at 6.30pm.
