The judging process
Candidates are nominated for each category by our sponsors and through our close work with Devon YFC.
Our judges work hard to ensure we have the best candidates in our final and each finalist takes part in an interview with the sponsors and previous winners.
On the awards night you’ll know we have done our homework and will be celebrating the very best enterprises and individuals.
‘Farmer of the Year’ recipients Surfing Cow Ltd with Graeme Cock, Mole Valley Farmers - Devon’s Farmer of the Year Sponsor 2023
How it works
There are three judges for each sponsorship category:
One main judge from the category sponsor
Last year’s category winner
A 3rd independent judge (usually someone affiliated with the Addington Fund or a recognised figure within the farming industry)
Once the judges have chosen the shortlisted candidates, they call and arrange an onsite visit to help them with their judging deliberations. They will want to see what you do, how you do it and will ask some farm business questions along the way. Moreover, they will want to know all about how your farm and/or enterprise, how it works and what you do on a daily basis to keep your business growing and ahead of the game.
When the onsite visit is complete, all you need to do is attend the awards and enjoy a very social evening as a sponsor’s guest.
The winner will be chosen in private by the judges and announced on the night of the awards.
