A DARTMOOR farming family is set to receive a top award at the Devon County Show, which takes place from today (Thursday) to Saturday at Exeter.
Tenant farmer Andrew Bradford and his family from Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, near Princetown, have beaten off tough competition to win the prestigious John Neason Memorial Award, after impressing judges with their successful rural diversification enterprise.
This year the competition looked for schemes involving a range of innovative ideas and judges were impressed with the Bradford family's efforts to diversify and develop the business.
Andrew Bradford told judges: 'Brimpts Farm is a typical upland beef farm partaking in environmental schemes and actively encouraging public access.
'Diversification began 25 years ago with the farmhouse tea room. Six years ago the redundant stone buildings were converted into a multi-purpose accommodation and conference centre.
'The business is still developing, providing year-round employment for five local people as well as the use of local produce and resources.'
Judge Mark Neason said the panel was impressed with Brimpts Farm.
'The overall impression was one of harmonisation between a diversification enterprise, traditional farming systems, and maintenance of an upland landscape.
'The energy and enthusiasm that the family put into education and their openness to advise other potential diversifying farmers is to be commended,' he said.
The award is presented annually to an outstanding Devon tenant farmer and is sponsored by the Devon County Agricultural Association, which runs the Show, the Devon County Council Farms Estate, and the Western Counties Agricultural Valuers Association.