Pembrokeshire farmers who are excelling in their use of technology are being encouraged to participate and showcase their innovative methods in agriculture by entering the prestigious Baron de Rutzen Award.
Adam Thorne, President of the Pembrokeshire County Show, has conveyed the society’s enthusiasm for identifying the county’s most forward-thinking farmers under the age of 45, who are effectively implementing the latest technological methods to promote sustainable and progressive agriculture. In addition to this, they should also demonstrate consideration for the environment and habitat sensitivity on their farms and present a visually appealing example of farming in Pembrokeshire. The competition is open to both the livestock and arable sectors, making it an all-inclusive event.
In the previous year, the award was presented to Mark and Caroline Davies of Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest. Their farm, which houses 230 pedigree Holsteins, is managed through a fully automated system. They have also successfully set up a small beef enterprise and take pride in their grassland area and their effective reseeding and liming policy, which has optimized their silage system.
The Baron de Rutzen Award is a special recognition named after Baron John Frederick De Rutzen, who served as the president of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936. Unfortunately, Baron De Rutzen passed away at the young age of 36 in 1944, but the legacy of his contributions to agriculture live on through this award.
This year’s entrants must be active farmers based in Pembrokeshire and under the age of 45 as of January 1st, 2024. Entries can be submitted through nominations or direct applications on the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society website. The deadline for nominations and applications is at noon on Wednesday, May 29th, 2024.
Farmers who are interested can visit the society’s official website to apply and find out more information about the prestigious award. It presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the best practices in farming and to gain recognition for the hard work and dedication put into sustainable and progressive agriculture.
Innovation in farming is crucial to address the challenges faced by the industry, and the Baron de Rutzen Award does an excellent job of rewarding those who are doing it right. It’s not just about technological advancement but about working in harmony with the environment, developing sustainable practices, and setting an example for the future of agriculture.
To all the tech-savvy and forward-thinking farmers, this is an opportunity to shine and be recognised for your outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector. Let’s celebrate the innovators who are shaping the future of farming!