The search is on for the 2006 South West Dairy Farmer.
Farmers across the region are invited to enter this year’s competition which is organised by the Royal Bath & West of England Society and sponsored by Milk Link, the leading farmer-owned co-operative in the South West, and Clydesdale Bank.
Every farmer who enters will receive free tickets to the Dairy Show at the Bath & West Showground, Shepton mallet, Somerset, on October 4th, and the overall winner will receive tickets for the prestigious Dairy Industry Dinner plus accommodation on the eve of the Show.
The ultimate winner will be presented with the coveted trophy and certificate at the Show, which is sponsored by NatWest, Dairy Crest and Farmers Guardian.
The competition aims to highlight dairy farmers in the South West who are best prepared to meet the challenges facing them and who can demonstrate a profitable way ahead.
Last year’s competition attracted a high level of entries from farm businesses across the whole South West region.
It is open to all farm businesses across Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire whose income is mainly derived from milk production.
All finalists will be visited by the panel of judges – Michael Rowe from Clydesdale Bank, Patrick Cock from Milk Link and farmer Nicholas Bacon whose son, Stuart, from Crewkerne, won the title last year. They will tour each farm, discuss farming plans and policies with the families and analyse the dairy costings and accounts provided by each business.
The final result will be announced at the Dairy Show where the winner receives the prestigious trophy and certificate and will be among the VIP guests at the Show.
Tickets for this year’s Dairy Show can be obtained from the Showground on 01749 822 200. Advanced saver tickets are available now on the credit card hotline on 01749 822 222.
Entry forms for South West Dairy Farmer 2006 are available from the Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 6QN or telephone 01749 822 2000. The closing date for entries is July 10th.