Farming Life Awards

Northern Ireland's farming industry was in the spotlight on Thursday night as the inaugural Farming Life and Northern Bank awards were held in the Hilton Hotel, Templepatrick.

Around 250 people, representing a wide cross-section of the agri-food industry, gathered to acknowledge the contribution of businesses and individual farmers to the Northern Ireland economy.

The agriculture minister Michelle O'Neill took time to acknowledge the importance of the awards evening, saying: "These awards have helped showcase the talent, entrepreneurship and excellence that exists across the full range of farming and business in the North's agri-food sector.

"To all those who have taken part, whether you may ultimately have won or not, I say this event has been a great platform to promote your products, increase your company profile and build useful networks.

"Farming Life has done much in recent years to encourage leadership and innovative approaches in farming and rural enterprise. I commend its work and I wish it continued success."

Among the recipients was Professor Fred Gordon, from Ballynahinch, who received a standing ovation as he collected a lifetime achievement award.

Banbridge butcher Jim Quail collected the 'farming champion' award while Robert Logan, from Co Antrim, was hailed as farming's 'unsung hero', an award which was decided by readers of the Farming Life.

Individual farming awards went to Robert Park, Ballyclare (pork); Ian Trimble, Castlecaulfield (poultry); Reggie and Beattie Lilburn, Dromore, Co Down (dairy); Russell Scott, Newtownstewart (sheep); Paul Turley, Downpatrick (beef) and Allan Chambers, Seaforde (arable).

Business awards were presented to John Thompson and Son (farm supplier of the year), Quad X (machinery company of the year), Cloughbane Farm Foods (agri-food business of the year) and Glastry Farm Ice Cream (agri-food small business of the year).
Rural Support was the charity for the gala awards evening and collected £2,119.08 in donations.
 
Awards