The Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is seeking the county’s top “progressive farmers” for its Baron de Rutzen Award.
Farmers must demonstrate their farm’s use of the latest technology methods to promote progressive and sustainable agriculture.
The closing date for nominations and applications is at noon on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Pembrokeshire County Show president, Adam Thorne, 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.”
This year’s entrants must be fully practising farmers within the county of Pembrokeshire and were under the age of 45 years on January 1, 2024.
Previous winner
Last year’s winners of the Baron de Rutzen 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 they follow a strict reseeding and liming policy to optimise the yield from their multi-cut silage system.
The couple place significant emphasis on animal health, husbandry and breeding to maximise the efficiency of their system.
Baron John Fredrick De Rutzen was president of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1936 and the Baron de Rutzen Trophy was produced in his memory.
Pembrokeshire Agri Society
Earlier this month, the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society unanimously elected arable and beef farmer Adam Thorne as its new president.
Thorne is the third generation of his family to hold the position.
He was elected during the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society’s annual general meeting (AGM) on the Pembrokeshire Showground.
On his election to the position of president, Thorne said: “I am proud of my long association with Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society.
“I am the third generation to now be president, following my late grandfather, Walter Thorne, my father, Robert Thorne and more recently my uncle, George Thorne. I am looking forward to my year in the prestigious position.”
