TEIGNBRIDGE’S farmers scooped up a selection of awards at this year’s Addington Fund Devon Farm Business Awards.

Organised by the Addington Fund, with Principal Sponsor Cornish Mutual, the evening celebrated Devon’s finest farmers with one overall winner claiming Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023.

Lewis Steer and Flora Stephenson won the Farm Diversifacation Awardwith the Dartmoor Shepherd, a buisness creating luxury items with their rare Dartmoor sheep. 

 Niall Tewson, who runs South Devon Dairy at Crockers Grange Farm in Ipplepen, won best Dairy Farmer.

Bill Young, CEO of the Addington Fund said: ‘This year the Devon Farm Business Awards was full of incredible farmers. We were blown away with the agricultural talent that had been entered into the farming categories.’

Winning Best Farm Processor, Lawrence and Lee Glanville and Alistair Graham of Surfing Cow Ltd also won the grand title of Devon’s Farmer of the Year 2023, bringing the whole room to a cheer.

Jack Cordery, Chief Executive Officer of Mole Valley Farmers said: 'Mole Valley Farmers has a long standing association with the Addington Fund Farm Business Awards and we are pleased to sponsor the overall Devon’s Farmer of the Year. Congratulations to all of the finalists, the category winners and of course the Glanville family and Alistair Graham of Surfing Cow Ltd, our Devon Farmers of the Year.'

Bill Young, CEO of the Addington Fund said: 'This year the Devon Farm Business Awards was full of incredible farmers. We were blown away with the agricultural talent that had been entered into the farming categories and I know choosing the winner of all winners this year was a very tough decision. Everyone was a worthy winner this year but the team at Surfing Cow Ltd stood out from the crowd because of the very successful farm business they have built and continue to progress despite the challenges all farming businesses are facing at the moment.'

Cornish Mutual Managing Director Peter Beaumont said: 'As Principal Sponsor, we were delighted to work with the Addington Fund once again on this notable event and celebrate agriculture across the county.

'Like the Addington Fund, Cornish Mutual remains committed to protecting the farming community and building a sustainable future for one of Devon’s pivotal industries. Congratulations to all tonight’s winners and finalists, who represent the hard work and dedication of the county’s farmers signalling a bright outlook for farming across the South West.'

Joining the awards for another year was the infamous James Morrish, who was another shining star of the night compering the evening and raising a fantastic £2100 via the auction. His compere style, wit and humour was missed back in 2022, so the evening felt complete once again having him back on stage, making everyone feel welcome and thoroughly enjoy the awards.

The total amount raised from all fundraising activities during the evening was over £4000 with more donations steadily coming in online. This incredible amount will go back into Addington Fund to help the farming community in times of need.

The winners of our fantastic farming categories are as listed: