THE President of the NFU will be making a special appearance at the Three Counties Farmer Awards ceremony in November.

And with all the uncertainty facing the industry at the moment, it’s likely to be a message farmers will be keen to hear.

Minette Batters made a scintillating guest speech at the awards ceremony last year but because of Covid this year’s event is in the format of a live online broadcast.

It will be hosted by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson while Minette will be giving a keynote message.

It’s timely, given both the impact of Covid on the industry and the uncertainty over trade and standards in the current climate of tense and bumpy Brexit negotiations.

The NFU is currently running a support campaign which included a Back British Farming Day earlier this month.

The campaign aims to drive support for the British food and farming sector through simple actions like buying British produce, enjoying the countryside responsibly, and spreading the word with friends and family.

Minette runs a tenanted family farm in Wiltshire. The mixed farming business includes a 100 cow continental cross suckler herd, and a small herd of pedigree Herefords as well as sheep and arable.

Diversification includes the conversion of a 17th Century tythe barn into a wedding and corporate events venue, and horse liveries.

The Three Counties Farmer Awards celebrate outstanding work and creativity in the farming industry across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

They aim to provide public recognition of the hard work within the sector and the importance of it to the local community.

There is still time to nominate someone deserving of recognition. Just go to https://www.herefordtimes.com/awards/tcf/ and fill in the form.

  • Entries close on September 18 so don’t delay.

Categories are: Sheep Farmer Award; Farm Conservation; Cattle Farmer; Family Run Farm; Pig Farmer; Young Farmer (under 25); Poultry Farmer; Farming Hero; Arable Farmer; Farming Contractor; Fruit/Hop Farmer; Outstanding Achievement.