Shropshire Star

Farmer honoured for work at British Farming Awards

A farmer who has turned to podcasting and social media to dispel the myths that surround food production has won a national award.

Published
Will Evans

Will Evans, from the north Wales/Shropshire border was named digital innovator of the year in the British Farming Awards.

The annual awards showcase the innovation and achievements of farmers across the agricultural industry.

Mr Evans from Lower Eyton near Overton-on-Dee uses the internet to give the public an idea of life as a farmer and father of four young girls.

He also interviews other farmers and those involved in agriculture.

"The aim is to showcase the range of interesting and innovative people involved in the industry and appeal to farmers and non-farmers who have an interest in food provenance and the countryside and dispel some of the myths that have surrounded food production," he said.

Realising the growing popularity of podcasts in the UK, he spent hours on YouTube learning how to produce them.

His show averages 1,000 weekly downloads, and has featured in the ‘new and noteworthy’ section on iTunes.

Mr Evans also has his own website www.fatherandfarmer.com.

During the awards ceremony in Birmingham a special Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture trophy was presented to Caroline Drummond MBE, the leader of Linking Environment and Farming.

As chief executive, Caroline, from Cornwall, has made farming in the UK more environmentally responsible for the future by combining modern farming with conservation and engaging with the public out on the farm.

The Farmers Guardian Farming Hero award went to the Scottish Association of Young Farmers’ Clubs ‘Are Ewe Okay?’ campaign.

Following research that nine out of 10 young people will suffer from mental health issues, the rural organisation launched a campaign to encourage conversations between their 3,500 members and break the stigma so often surrounding mental well-being.

Shropshire student, Georgina Gater-Moore of Harper Adams University, won silver in agricultural student of the year. The gold award went to Benjamin Theaker of Nottingham Trent University.