We supported the awards for the first time, sponsoring “Best Farmer”, which was one of 12 categories that celebrated the best of Gloucestershire – its farmers, producers, retailers, pubs, farm shops and restaurants.
Congratulations to dairy farmers David and Joanne Pullin of Priory Farm in Leonard Stanley, Stroud who were crowned ‘Best Farmer of 2013’ by the judging panel, made up of respected farming experts in the county.
Our Willans’ agriculture and estates department, was part of the judging panel and presented the award last night.
“We are delighted the Pullin family has won ‘Best Farmer’. Their farm has been in the family since 1936 and is an excellent example of a profitable, commercially-minded, locally-run business.
“The Pullins have demonstrated high standards of animal welfare and the judges were particularly impressed that their 240-strong dairy herd of pedigree Holsteins is home-bred.
“They care for their environment and have worked hard to achieve a fair balance between agricultural productivity and a thriving wildlife habitat. They have maximised resources available to them, preserving and maintaining historic farm buildings that have been converted into holiday cottages. They are now working with English Heritage to restore the dilapidated grade II listed Saxon chapel to be used as an event venue.
“The Pullins’ successful farming model will live on through their sons who both work on the farm. They are worthy winners.”
David Pullin commented on their success:
“We were encouraged by a number of people to enter this competition. Farming in Gloucestershire is an important source of employment in the county. Modern farming methods are varied, but we would like to think we are both guardians of the countryside and efficient producers of food.
“Winning this competition is a great honour and endorses everything we are trying to do at Priory Farm.”
Well done to dairy farmers Jess and Mike Vaughan of Jess’s Ladies Organic Farm Milk and Martin Harrell of Hayles Fruit Farm, who were the runner-ups in the best farmer category, and to the finalists and winners of other categories.
Our agriculture and estates team provides authoritative legal advice to equestrian businesses, farming partnerships, landowners and those buying prime agricultural property.
