We are so excited to announce our participation in the British Farming Awards 2024, set to take place this week on 17 October at The Vox Birmingham!
This prestigious event, now in its twelfth year, brings together over 800 farmers and industry professionals from across the UK to celebrate the very best in British agriculture. Sponsored by Morrisons and organised by Farmers Guardian, it’s an evening that shines a light on pioneering individuals who are leading the charge in areas like technology, food production, sustainability and science.
The British Farming Awards have become a cornerstone event for the agricultural industry, and 2024 promises to be even more special. Farmers from all sectors will be recognised for their incredible achievements, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for excellence in UK farming. From innovative approaches to silage production to sustainable food systems, the awards celebrate the resilience, creativity, and dedication that sit at the heart of British agriculture.
If you are attending the event - please do come and join us for a free drink at the bar from 5.45pm.
At Volac, we couldn’t be more excited to be part of this incredible celebration. We’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most innovative farmers, and this year, we are proud to host several inspiring individuals at our table, all of whom exemplify the future of farming.
Who’s joining us at the Volac table?
Mark Fitton and Lucy Pye from Shropshire
Mark and Lucy farm nearly 400 acres near Whitchurch, Shropshire, where they implement a balanced feeding strategy that incorporates both maize and grass silages in a 50/50 ratio during the winter Total Mixed Ration (TMR). With maize inclusion sometimes reaching up to 70%, their herd of 250 year-round-calved Procross Swedish Red x Montbéliarde x Holstein cows produces impressive results. The cows achieve up to 5.3% fat and 3.8% protein with an average yield of 9,000 litres per cow.
Andrew and Jessica Wright from Omagh, Northern Ireland
Andrew manages a herd of 190 cows on a grass-based system, with a focus on keeping costs low while achieving high output. With an average production of 8,000 litres per cow, Andrew’s operation emphasises maximising milk production from high-quality grass silage. In a region known for high rainfall and challenging farming conditions, Ecosyl has played a critical role in ensuring consistently high-quality silage fermentation, supporting the efficiency and productivity of his farm.
Dale and Vicki Byers from Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Dale and Vicki, along with their three children—Poppy, Charlie, and Ina-Grace—manage a herd of 180 pedigree Holsteins under the prefix name "Legendairy Holsteins." Their all-year-round indoor system relies on TMR (Total Mixed Ration) feeding 365 days a year to ensure optimal cow nutrition. The Byers family uses a multicut system with Ecocool, achieving silage analysis results ranging from 11.6 to 12 ME across four cuts.
Their herd produces an impressive average yield of 10,600 litres, with 4.27% butterfat and 3.33% protein, reflecting their dedication to efficiency and quality.
Tom Pemberton from Lancashire
Tom Pemberton, a passionate dairy, beef, and sheep farmer from Lancashire. Tom manages 270 acres of land, plus an additional 250 acres in a share farming agreement with his parents, Andrew and Ailsa. He milks 170 crossbred cattle and finishes 80-100 cattle per year, with most of the beef being sold through his farm shop and local outlets, and some going to Morrisons.
Tom’s drive to improve grass quality has been truly impressive, especially with the challenging start to the silage season. His focus on grassland management has helped ensure his cattle are well-fed with quality forage, contributing to the sustainability and efficiency of his farming operation.
Not only is Tom dedicated to improving the quality of his current herd, but he’s also looking to the future with ambitious expansion plans. He aims to grow his business to finish 400-500 cattle per year, and with his passion and determination, the sky's the limit!
A celebration of innovation and excellence
The British Farming Awards is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of the individuals who are driving the future of UK agriculture. We are excited to share this evening with such inspiring farmers and to witness firsthand the recognition of their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication.
At Volac, we’re passionate about supporting the agricultural industry and championing the efforts of farmers who are committed to sustainability and innovation. From improving silage quality with Ecosyl to advancing animal nutrition, we believe in providing solutions that help farmers thrive in an ever-evolving industry.
As we count down to the British Farming Awards 2024, we invite you to join us in celebrating the heart of UK agriculture. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to sharing the excitement of this incredible event with you all!