Results of 2011 Farm Competition

There are 3 categories: small [farms with an area up to 300 acres], medium [farms with an area of over 301 acres and under 600 acres], large [farms with 601 and over acres]

The judges assess the management and cultivation of the farm, as well as management of the livestock.  They will look at the profitability of the farm, the farming system, crops, livestock, machinery, tidiness, etc.  All farms are also judged for their conservation and environmental practise and management.  A special award is given for the best ley in each category.

Small Farms [farms with an area up to 300 acres]

Judges – Mrs J Elwood & Mr A Foot

1^st place  Winner of The R M Gillingham Memorial Perpetual Challenge Cup

Mr KP Goodfellow, Higher Silkhay Farm, Netherbury

2^nd place

Mr & Mrs Geddes, Colesmore Farm, Toller Porcorum

3^rd place

Mr K Groves, Higher Grove Farm, Mangerton

4^th place

Messrs E & I W Studley, Common Farm & Windsor Farm, Broadwindsor

5^th place

Mr & Mrs Solly, Ferndown Farm, Wynford Eagle

Best Conservation & Environmental Practice & Winner of the Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Cup   

Mr & Mrs Solly, Ferndown Farm, Wynford Eagle

Best Ley: 

Mr KP Goodfellow, Higher Silkhay Farm, Netherbury

Medium Farms [farms with an area of over 301 acres and under 600 acres]

Judge Mr M Hoskins

1st Winner of THE BURROUGH PERPETUAL CHALLENGE CUP

Mr B Newman, Larkham Farm, Holywell

2^nd

Mr S Raymond, Childhay Organic Dairies, Blackdown

Joint 3rd

Messrs Fooks Bros, Manor Farm, North Poorton

Mr E Bowditch, Cooper Dean Estates, Parnham Park Farm

Best Ley

Messrs Fooks Bros, Manor Farm, North Poorton

Best Conservation & Environmental Practice

Mr E Bowditch, Cooper Dean Estates, Parnham Park Farm

Large Farms [farms with 601 and over acres]

JUDGE: Mr N Christensen

1^st Place  & Winner of The Sir David Williams, Bart Memorial Perpetual Challenge cup

Mr R Taylor, The Estate Office, Evershot Farms, Melbury Sampford

2^nd Place

Mr A Butler, Crutchley Farms, Mappercombe Farm, Nettlecombe,

3^rd Place

Mr R Bugler, Vale End, Lower House Farm, Bettiscombe

Best Conservation & Environmental Practice & winner of the Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Cup

Mr R Taylor, The Estate Office, Evershot Farms, Melbury Sampford

Best Ley

Mr R Bugler, Vale End, Lower House Farm, Bettiscombe

Dan Newman, Vice Chairman of The Melplash Agricultural Society commented;

“It was a privilege to have the opportunity to see the dedicated work of local farmers. The judges were extremely impressed with the standards of all the entries and thoroughly enjoyed their time with us here in West Dorset”.