The annual Melplash Agricultural Society’s Farms competition gives farmers living within a 12 miles radius of Melplash village church, the opportunity to gain recognition for their business skills, good husbandry and dedication to looking after the countryside. There are 3 farm categories – Small ( up to199 acres), Medium (200 – 599 acres) and Large (over 600 acres). Each category is judged by a team of judges who assess the overall management of the farm. They look at the profitability, the farming system, the crops, the livestock, etc. Special awards in each category are given for conservation and environmental practises and for the best ley.
This year the Melplash Agricultural Society introduced new classes for grassland and crops. ‘The Society’s farm competitions recognise and commend the good practices of West Dorset Farmers; it assesses their husbandry, financial and business skills as well as their dedication to looking after the countryside. Many farmers we know will be missing the social aspects and friendly rivalry of the Melplash Show. We hope the new classes will be an exciting challenge for all farmers and growers and will encourage pride and healthy competitiveness’, said Melplash Agricultural Society Director and farmer, Robert Bowditch.
The competition is sponsored by Woolley and Wallis, Woolley & Wallis is a leading regional firm of estate agents, chartered surveyors and auctioneers with offices throughout Wiltshire, Hampshire, the New Forest and Dorset. Founded in 1884, Woolley & Wallis offers an extensive range of professional services covering all areas of residential sales and lettings, rural and commercial property. The firm is well represented through their network of offices throughout Southern England.
2021 Results
Small Farm – 199 Acres or Fewer
Judges: Mr Nick Read & Ms Katie Read
Steward: Mr George Wyatt
1st & Winner of The RM Gillingham Challenge Cup – Mr & Mrs David and Ruth Wilkins, Rampisham Hill Farm, Hooke
2nd Mr & Mrs Rorie and Rachael Geddes, Colesmoor Farm, Toller Porcorum
3rd Miss Alexa de Ferranti, Lower Hewood Farm, Hewood
Medium Farm – 200 – 599 Acres
Judges: Mr Richard Leach & Mr Mark Partridge
Steward: Mr Andrew Frampton
1st & Winner of The Borrough Perpetual Challenge Cup – Mr James Wallbridge, Bridge Farm, Hooke
2nd Mr. Andrew Romans, Charity Farm, Litton Cheney
Large Farm – Over 600 Acres
Judges: Mr Mike Tizzard & Mr Will Tizzard
Steward: Mr Bertie Newman
1st & Winner of The David Williams Bart Memorial Cup – Mr & Mrs Nick and Claire Bragg, Frogmary Green Farm, South Petherton
2nd Symondsbury Estate
3rd Mr Will Frost, Forde Grange Farm, Thorncombe
4th Mr Gareth Beynon, Rampisham Manor Farms
Winner of The Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Environmental Trophy – Mr. G. Beynon, Rampisham Manor Farms
Crop & Grassland Classes
Judges: Mr David Chick & Mr Ben Chick
Stewards: Mr Roy Vickery & Mr James Vickery
Class 300 Short Term Cutting Ley
1st R. B. Bowditch & Son, Salway Ash
Class 301 Long Term Cutting Ley
1st Mr & Mrs Rorie Geddes, Toller Porcorum
2nd Mr James Wallbridge, Hooke
3rd Mr Ed Bowditch, Cooper Dean Estate
Class 302 Best Field of Winter Wheat
1st Mr Ed Bowditch, Cooper Dean Estate
2nd Mr Russell Coombes, Maiden Newton
3rd R. B. Bowditch & Son, Salway Ash
Class 303 Best Field of Winter Barley
1st Mr Kevin Groves, Mangerton
2nd Symondsbury Estate
3rd Mr & Mrs Nick Bragg, South Petherton
Class 304 Best Field of Spring Barley
1st Mr Robert Yeates, Toller Fratrum
2nd R. B. Bowditch & Son, Salway Ash
