Two farmers from the north and north-east were last night crowned the cream of the crop at an awards ceremony in London.
Tain farmer John Scott from Fearn Farm was crowned Sheep Farmer of the Year, while David Green of AJ Duncan in Muirden, Aberdeenshire was crowned Farm Manager of the Year.
Mr Scott runs 3,700 Cheviot and cross-bred ewes and 40 Luing cattle across 1,581 hectares. He also runs two renowned pedigree flocks of Texels and New Zealand Suffolks, with fat lambs sold through Woodhead Brothers.
The judges said of Mr Scott: “With the knowledge that good financial performance is underpinned by good technical performance, John’s focus on maximising grass use and improving genetics in tandem demonstrates an understanding of the key drivers of profitability of his business.”
Mr Green manages a mixed farming enterprise stretching across more than 4,000 hectares. The business includes cereals and oilseeds, an 800-head dairy bull beef contract, and 300,000 colony and 105,000 bran hens as well as free-range broilers.
Judges said of Mr Green: “David is outstanding, a true entrepreneur. He has an ability to identify and make the most of opportunities, demonstrated by his approach to the egg, beef and in particular, the energy enterprises.”
The awards were organised by Farmers Weekly magazine.