The Melplash Agricultural Society’s Farms and Crops competition recognises and celebrates good practice among West Dorset farmers, assessing their husbandry, financial and business skills, as well as their commitment to caring for the countryside.
Each farm is visited by a team of judges who walk the farm to look at the husbandry of crops and livestock, how well the environment is cared for and the maintenance of machinery and fixed assets. They also talk to the farmer to find out how they manage their farming businesses and their plans for the future.
‘The farms and crops were judged on two of the hottest days of the year. Despite record-breaking weather, intense heat and difficult harvest conditions, the farmers welcomed us and showed remarkable resilience. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the farmers that took part in the competition, as well as the judges who gave up their time and the Society stewards who managed the days for us’ said Society Vice Chairman and farmer James Bowditch.
2026 Farm & Crop Results
Small Farm – 199 Acres or Fewer
Judges: Ricky and Lisa Frampton
Steward: Robert Yeates
1st & Winner of RM Gillingham Challenge Cup – Colesmoor Farm Partnership, Colesmoor Farm, Toller Porcorum
Judges comment: A young couple, working hard and running their farm well, working with the environment they have.
2nd – Mr & Mrs Charles and Louise Stanway, Hammiton Farm, Shipton Gorge
Winner of the Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Best Conservation Environmental Practice (Small) – Mr & Mrs Charles and Louise Stanway, Hammiton Farm, Shipton Gorge.
Medium Farm – 200 – 599 Acres
Judges: Mr & Mrs Chris and Anna Griffin
Stewards: Matt Stones and Mark Roberts
1st & Winner of The Burrough Perpetual Challenge Cup – Richard & Sally Turner, Hazel Lane Dairy
Judges comment: We were very impressed with the new slurry management system which helps ensure longevity for the farm. A very efficient system, good conceptions rates and herd performance.
Joint 2nd – Mr Russell Coombes, Higher Wynford Farm, Maiden Newton
Joint 2nd – Mr Edward and Mrs Joanna Goodfellow, Higher Silkhay Farm, Netherbury
3rd – Mr Matthew Keeping, Shatcombe Farm, Wynford Eagle
4th – Mr Kevin Groves, Highgrove Farm, Mangerton
Winner of the Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Best Conservation Environmental Practice (Medium) – Russell Coombes, Higher Wynford Farm, Maiden Newton.
Large Farm – Over 600 Acres
Judges: Mr & Mrs Paul and Sarah Appleby
Stewards: Will Frost and James Bowditch
1st & Winner of The David Williams Bart Memorial Cup – Messrs Dan and Bertie Newman, Newman Farming Partnership, Manor Farm, Cattistock
Judges comment: A very impressive set up. Great understanding of business potential with the drive to fulfil ambition.
Joint 2nd – Mr Ian Johnson, Cardsmill Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum
Joint 2nd – Mr Stephen Raymond, Childhay Organic Dairy, Childhay, Beaminster
3rd – TW & BM Turner, Manor Farm, Hardington Mandeville
4th – Mr Andy Sprake, Zephen Farms Ltd, Langton Herring
Winner of the Kitson & Trotman Perpetual Challenge Trophy for the Best Conservation Environmental Practice (Large) – Andy Sprake, Zephen Farms Ltd, Langton Herring.
Crop & Grassland Classes
Judges: Will Vincent and Phil Stone
Steward: Robert Bowditch
Short-Term Cutting Ley
1st – Colesmoor Farm Partnership, Alice Wade
2nd – Higher Wynford Farms, Russell Coombes
3rd – Childhay Organic Dairy, Stephen Raymond
Long-Term Cutting Ley
1st – Higher Wynford Farms, Russell Coombes
2nd – Shatcombe Farm, Matthew Keeping
3rd – Higher Silkhay Farm, Edward and Joanna Goodfellow
Winter Wheat
1st – Zephen Farms Ltd, Andy Sprake
2nd – Newman Farming Partnership, Dan and Bertie Newman
3rd – Higher Wynford Farms, Russell Coombes
Spring Barley
1st – Newman Farming Partnership, Dan and Bertie Newman,
2nd – Toller Fratrum Farm, Robert Yeates
3rd – Shatcombe Farm, Matthew Keeping
Winter Barley
1st – Zephen Farms Ltd, Andy Sprake
2nd – Higher Wynford Farms, Russell Coombes
3rd – Whetham Farm, Steve Curtis
Arable Silage
1st – Home Farm, Sadborow, Tom Gregory
2nd – Higher Silkhay Farm, Edward and Joanna Goodfellow
3rd – Zephen Farms Ltd, Andy Sprake
The Farms and Crops Competition was kindly sponsored by Woolley & Wallis, Barnaby Gower, Partner at Woolley & Wallis, said: ‘We were delighted to sponsor this year’s Melplash Agricultural Society Farms and Crops competition, which once again showcased the exceptional skill, dedication and resilience of farmers across West Dorset. With the competition judged on two of the hottest days of the year, it was even more impressive to see the commitment of everyone involved. The standard of entries across all ten classes was a real testament to the hard work and expertise that go into producing quality crops while caring for the countryside and adapting to the challenges facing modern farming. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and everyone who took part. It was a privilege for Woolley & Wallis to support an event that celebrated the people and businesses at the heart of our rural community.’
The winners will receive their awards, presented by Barnaby Gower at the Melplash Show on Thursday 27 August.
