The Northern Ireland farming industry put on the glamour for the 12th annual Farming Life awards, in association with Cranswick Country Foods.
The annual event, held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, was attended by around 200 people from all sectors right across the industry.
The awards are an opportunity to throw the spotlight on some of the individuals and businesses that help to make the Northern Ireland industry so special.
Compere on the night was popular weather man and TV personality Barra Best and the charity was Air Ambulance NI.
Farming Life editor Ruth Rodgers commented: “This year, as always, entries across all categories exceeded our expectations in both numbers and the calibre of those involved. It has made judging an incredibly difficult task, but one that was very enjoyable as we read about the history of businesses and their developments and about people and their successes and achievements and indeed challenges.
“As we celebrate our industry here tonight, it must be remembered that we are facing a time of uncertainty and difficulty in the months ahead.
“We are fortunate that we have an industry which has resilience and a ‘can do’ attitude at its core. And I have no doubt that our farmers will adapt and evolve to meet the challenges head on.”
The annual event, held in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, was attended by around 200 people from all sectors right across the industry.
The awards are an opportunity to throw the spotlight on some of the individuals and businesses that help to make the Northern Ireland industry so special.
Compere on the night was popular weather man and TV personality Barra Best and the charity was Air Ambulance NI.
Farming Life editor Ruth Rodgers commented: “This year, as always, entries across all categories exceeded our expectations in both numbers and the calibre of those involved. It has made judging an incredibly difficult task, but one that was very enjoyable as we read about the history of businesses and their developments and about people and their successes and achievements and indeed challenges.
“As we celebrate our industry here tonight, it must be remembered that we are facing a time of uncertainty and difficulty in the months ahead.
“We are fortunate that we have an industry which has resilience and a ‘can do’ attitude at its core. And I have no doubt that our farmers will adapt and evolve to meet the challenges head on.”
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NewsTranscript
00:00 The award this evening is the Nature Friendly Farmer of the Year.
00:08 So please welcome back to present this award, Diane Burke.
00:17 This award recognizes an individual or group who put sustainability at the heart of their
00:21 farming practices.
00:23 The judges were impressed by the winner's outstanding submission, recognizing their
00:27 deep connection to a business they personally know.
00:30 They are well aware of the recipient's strong commitment to harmonizing farming with nature.
00:35 The judges believe that the winner consistently employs environmentally friendly farming methods
00:40 and serves as an inspiration to others.
00:43 Also they are enthusiastic advocates and supporters of locally sourced food, actively contributing
00:49 to the education of others on the significance of both farming and nature.
00:54 So Diane, tell us who you want.
00:56 The winner is Brookgammon Farm.
01:00 Sir Cranswick Country Foods, please join me in welcoming back to the stage Martin Walsh
01:04 to announce the winner of this category.
01:12 So the final award will be given to a local individual who has shown a real commitment
01:17 to their field, sector, industry or business and is an inspiration to others.
01:23 This individual is one of the longest serving chief executives in Northern Ireland.
01:28 Since 1989 he has been a long term advocate and a very public face of the agricultural
01:33 sector in an unstinting role at the helm of the Dairy Council.
01:37 Having retired from that role earlier this month, they leave behind the dairy sector
01:41 on the cusp of a new era where the focus will be on nutritional, environmental, social and
01:46 economic stability.
01:47 So over to you Martin to announce the winner.
01:51 This award goes to Dr Mike Johnson.
01:54 [Applause]
01:56 [Music]
01:58 [Applause]
02:00 [Applause]
02:02 [Applause]
02:05 [Applause]
02:08 [Applause]
02:11 [Applause]
02:15 [Applause]
02:19 [Applause]
02:23 [Applause]
02:27 [Applause]
02:34 Thank you very much indeed.
02:37 I have to be honest, this came as a total surprise.
02:40 Whenever you announced it I was looking around to see who was going to get this.
02:46 But thank you very much indeed.
02:48 It's been a hell of a ride.
02:51 It has been a career.
02:54 When I look back on it, sometimes I have to pinch myself.
02:58 As we said, I think the dairy industry is on the cusp of some great things now on the
03:06 back of the work that is being done on sustainability.
03:10 And those who are carrying on the baton, I wish you very well.
03:16 [Applause]
03:18 Well done, very deserving.
03:25 Thank you very much.