Devon Farm Business Awards 2024 Winners Announced!

The 10th Addington Fund Devon Farm Business Awards once again marked the start of the summer farming calendar with a bang, the night before the Devon County Show 2024.

As guests arrived and enjoyed a glass or two of bubbly, alongside indulging in hand-made canapes, the conversations flowed and the atmosphere was electric.

The room was filled with Devon's finest farmers eagerly awaiting an evening of awards and recognition, ready to celebrate eleven talented and dedicated farming entrepreneurs across four new categories.

Adding to the excitement was Sue English, Deputy Director of Addington Fund, who took to the stage to update guests on the charity's progress. She discussed how the high demand of the team due to recent inclement weather conditions and emphasised the importance of local and national fundraising efforts through insightful "Devon Data” charity analysis. Her speech highlighted why these awards are organised, to not only to honour Devon's exceptional farmers and their devotion to agriculture, but also to raise essential funds for farmers in times of need.

Peter Beaumont from Cornish Mutual said “The celebrations of Devon’s farming community is always a highlight and Cornish Mutual is particularly proud to be Principal Sponsor of this, the 10-year anniversary of the Devon Farm Business Awards. Thank you to the Addington Fund for its inspirational work within our rural community and congratulations to the winners and finalists, all shining examples of the outstanding individuals and agricultural successes seen across an industry fundamental to Devon’s future.”

Bringing his enthusiasm for the industry and wit on stage, compering the evening once again was the iconic James Morrish, who also conducted the auction of the night. With prizes from Lympstone Manor (kindly donated by Michael Caines DCA 2024 President), WH Bond and Sons, John Rous, Gotland Gin and Castle Hill Estate, an incredible £5,300 was raised for the good causes of the farming charity, which will go direct to farmers in need.

Congratulations to this year’s Devon Farm Business Awards 2024 winners:

Penny Dart (Savills), Emily Peters and Andrew Conibear (Mole Valley Farmers)

Emily Peters - The Udder Stuff, winner of the Rising Star category sponsored by Mole Valley Farmers and Savills, working alongside the Federation of Devon Young Farmers Club.

The judges from Mole Valley Farmers, Savills and the Devon Federation of Young Farmers Club said “Emily is a phenomenal communicator and has used her skills in food marketing to her advantage after seeking a great opportunity out of her family’s dairy farm. We were impressed by her focussed and clear business plan, with exceptional growth over the past three years. She understands her business and market exceptionally well, whilst still being connected to the family’s farming business. Emily is clearly a brilliant storyteller and knows how to connect with the general public through her social media. She isn’t only engaging with her local community, but also showcasing the dairy industry to the wider public exceptionally well. She is a great advocate for the dairy industry and a brilliant role model. We look forward to seeing where the ‘Udder Stuff’ brand goes and of course trying out her new ice cream at Devon County Show!”

Ian Brown (Trowers & Hamlins), Helen Taverner and Peter Brown (Westcotts)

Helen Taverner - Orange Elephant Ice Cream Parlour, winner of the Agricultural Innovator category, sponsored by Trowers and Hamlins and Westcotts.

The judges from Trowers & Hamlins and Westcotts said “Orange Elephant is an ice cream parlour based on a working farm and the connection with the farming business is at the core of this operation. After closing the farm shop and deli, Helen Taverner took over responsibility for the business and saw a gap in the market. Helen makes all the ice cream using milk from the farm's dairy herd and has developed over 50 flavours. There is a strong emphasis on training local young people to work for the business, but also to develop life skills that will endure beyond customer service and ice cream. Helen cares deeply about her staff and helping them grow and develop as people. The recent history of the business speaks to all manner of innovation as the business has evolved and overcome challenge. This has included the development and building of a specific site for ice cream sales, the creation of a drive-thru as a result of the covid lockdown and social distancing measures and social outreach initiatives such as hosting elderly groups and special educational needs groups. Helen is motivated, receptive to (and looks for) new ideas, proud to share her development and therefore shows farming in good light.”

Phil Cork (Crediton Dairy), Lorna Burdge and Paul Glanvill (NFU South)

Lorna Burdge - Waterhayne Cows, winner of the Farming Champion category, sponsored by NFU and Crediton Dairy.

The judges from Crediton Dairy and NFU South said “Lorna is a dairy farmer from Devon who is passionate about producing milk from grazed grass and clover, with their hardy, small crossbred cows being ideal for the farming system they operate.  She dedicates her spare time to educating school children about food and farming and firmly believes that every farmer has a valuable story to tell about the food which they produce.

This year she is also opening her farm for Open Farm Sunday, as well as taking part in the Farmwise event at Devon County Show.

Lorna is involved in running the Devon Women in Dairy group, which brings women together from across the county and also actively promotes dairy farming through her Instagram page (@waterhayne_cows).”

Peter and Henri Greig with Jeremy Oatey (Cornish Mutual)

Peter Greig - Pipers Farm, winner of the Lifetime Achievement category sponsored by Cornish Mutual.

The judges from Cornish Mutual said “Peter has built a very impressive operation, giving a market to smaller family farming businesses. He has continued to adapt the business as markets have changed – with internet ordering. Peter has recruited chefs into the butchery, offering them better working hours and an improved work/life balance – creating proper jobs.

Peter is passionate about sustaining traditional farming values that have been handed down through generations. Peter’s extensive advocacy work centres on the importance of a fairer, cleaner farming supply chain.

Throughout his career he has held roles on WWFs Farming Advisory Board and The Education Committee for The Farmers Livery Company, has overseen The Challenge of Rural Leadership Course at Duchy College, and has contributed his passion and knowledge to countless events, panels and discussions within the food and farming industry.”

Philip French with Jeremy Oatey (Cornish Mutual)

A surprise award was given on the night to Philip French, for his outstanding contribution to Dartmoor. 

Addington Fund would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the four farming category winners, as well as the category runners-up. A special thanks goes out to Strutt & Parker for sponsoring the menu, Simpkins Edwards LLP for sponsoring the programme and a thanks goes to PKF Francis Clark for sponsoring part of the event. Thank you to Ashcombe Estate and Luscombe Drinks for donating cider and Elderflower Bubbly and to Niall Tewson for donating the milk. Thank you to all of the sponsors and guests for their kind and generous support throughout the evening, too.

One last thanks goes to the DCAA and the team behind the Devon County Show for their continuous support and kind donation of the event marquee.

The 10th Devon Farm Business Awards were once again a fantastic and memorable evening, and we look forward to our next big event.

Thank you for supporting Addington Fund and the farming community.