Nick's on top award shortlist

The shortlisted companies in the 2007 Farmers Weekly Agricultural Awards have been named this week and up for Britain's top Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by Massey Ferguson, is Nick Davies of Brakes Farm in Ludlow, Shropshire.

Davies impressed the judges with his determination to succeed with the farming industry.

He is dedicated to the sheep industry as a whole and is the youngest member in the National Sheep Association.

"It's not a job it's a lifestyle. Sheep are a 24/7 commitment and without the determination it would not succeed," he said.

Paul Davis, vice principal of the Royal Agricultural College and one of the judges in this category commented:

"Davies is a leading young light in the National Sheep Association and is the first to recognise the value of the close contacts with other stakeholders, such as the pharmaceutical industry, in the holding meetings and 'health' briefings on his farm to take technical improvement forward to his increasingly successful sheep enterprise."

Over 100 farmers have entered in this year's Awards with more than 30 businesses in the line-up reflecting the very best that British producers can offer across 12 categories.

The Awards' aim is to recognise innovation and achievement among individual farmers as well as celebrate excellence within the industry.

In the run-up to the Awards, Farmers Weekly magazine is profiling the shortlisted farms from each category every week, with a focus on the three finalists competing for each award.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on October 31.