Technology-oriented farmers encouraged to enter prestigious award

The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society has recently launched its search for the county’s top progressive farmers for the Baron de Rutzen Award.

Adam Thorne, Pembrokeshire County Show president, said: “We are looking for local Pembrokeshire farmers, under the age of 45, who can demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technological methods to promote progressive, sustainable agriculture.

“They also need to show consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farm, as well as present an aesthetically pleasing example of farming in the county.

“The competition welcomes all livestock and arable sectors to take part.”

Previous winners  

Last year’s winners of the award were Mark and Caroline Davies of Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest.   

They milk 230 pedigree Holsteins through a fully automated system. They rear their own replacements and also have a small beef enterprise.   

The farm is all grassland, and the farmers follow a strict reseeding and liming policy to optimise the yield from their multi-cut silage system.  

The couple places significant emphasis on animal health, husbandry and breeding to maximise the efficiency of their system.  

In memory of society’s president  

The award was named after Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen, president of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936. He served in the Welsh Guards and tragically died, aged 36, in 1944.     

This year’s entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and under the age of 45 on 1st January 2024.   

Entries can either be by nomination or direct application online on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. Apply here.  

The closing date for nominations and applications is noon on Wednesday 29th May 2024. 

Read more farm business news.