This year, there are 16 awards up for grabs, including the Farm of the Year categories which have been included from AgriScot into this new event. AgriScot chairman, Robert Neill, sees this as a natural progression for these prestigious awards.

“Our farm businesses awards were launched to complement AgriScot, as the premier farm business event in the UK. We have met some outstanding applicants, who are driving our sector forward and ensuring that farm businesses remain profitable for the future, whilst also protecting and preserving our land, environment, and people.

READ MORE: The SF, RHASS and AgriScot launch Scottish Agriculture Awards

“Over the last year we have been reviewing the awards, to see if we could offer a more formal awards ceremony, raising the profile of the winners further. We felt it was a perfect opportunity to partner with The Scottish Farmer and RHASS, and collectively do all we can to celebrate and inspire our industry.”

Within the Farm of the Year Categories these include ‘Arable Farm of the Year’ sponsored by SoilEssentials. Gregor Welsh, general manager for the business, said: “By supporting agricultural awards, we actively contribute to the growth and development of the industry while reinforcing our position as a trusted and knowledgeable partner.

“It’s an endeavour that generates positive brand associations and opens doors to exciting opportunities within the agricultural landscape.”

The Dairy Farm of the Year category is sponsored by GEA, and Simon Harper, UK sales manager from its farm technologies division commented: “As the leading supplier of milking equipment and automated livestock systems, it is important to us to support this event to encourage farmers to embrace the very exciting innovations we have to offer.

“These applications not only increase livestock performance, but also care for the environment and improve our customers lifestyles,” he pointed out.

We are also delighted to have the support of our sponsors, ABP, Field and Forest, Polycrub, SAC Consulting and Thorntons Law, who are championing a category each and these include our Agroforesty award and the Sustainable Farm of the Year category.

For The Scottish Farmer, editor Ken Fletcher said: “This promises to be an iconic event and one which has been close our hearts for many years. We have a superb and vibrant industry in Scotland, but we’re just not good at shouting about it.

“So this event will be a ‘must go to’ for all sectors within the industry and celebrate the very many positives that so far have largely gone unrewarded. Apart from anything else, what better way to network with old friends and make new ones.”

* The deadline for nomination entries for this year’s awards is between late June and August, in order for our expert team of judges to carry out site visits for our Farm of the Year shortlist.

To find out more about each category and how you can enter or sponsor the awards please visit https://agriawards.evessiocloud.com/AgriAwards2023/en/page/home or contact Head of Events, Nina Holmes at nina.holmes@newsquest.co.uk