We are so proud of Rob, he has been selected as a finalist for Beef Farmer of the Year 2024.
The British Farming Awards are looking for a beef farmer who is not afraid to embrace change to boost efficiencies within their business to make their margins work harder. Someone who is making the most of the opportunities presented to them whether that be in management of quality cattle, demonstrating good stockmanship or implementing best practice. Also someone who is introducing different ways to positively contribute to climate-friendly farming, improving efficiency, productivity and profitability.
With all the changes we have made to the business over the past 18 months, Rob has certainly embraced all of the above. We are now starting to see the true benefits of all these brave, and sometimes very tough, decisions that were made, and as result both the business and the cattle are looking well.
Some of the things we have recently changed or implemented include;
Reducing the size of the herd, which has allowed us to upgrade their housing, spend more time monitoring their performance and continue to look at further ways we can improve their health.
Business costs are ever increasing, and by amalgamating our business practices on to one main site this has resulted in us being able to consolidate our machinery and drastically reduce overall operating costs.
With there now being a need for many farming businesses to generate a degree of non-farming income, we have looked at better use of our current assets. Converting unused buildings to generate further income and making better use of those we use.
With the environment playing a huge part in every farm, it is important we all contribute to climate-friendly farming. As farmers we can play a key role in helping the UK achieve net zero by reducing our carbon footprint. We now have a tree planting programme in place, have a more in depth soil management plan and aim to continue to learn about the ways we can work in harmony with the land.
We are constantly striving to ensure the business is both sustainable and profitable. Taking an in depth look at the finances, better use of financial reports to include our cash flow and management figures.
As one of the original breeders to introduce polled genetics back in the 1990s, we have over the years managed to produce a strong selection of polled cattle that are of the same quality as non polled stock. The demand for polled cattle is there and we continue to work with genetics to ensure we continue to see these results.
Many farming practices have stood the test of time, and we could all learn a lot from previous generations, some things were done for a very good reason. However, with an open mind we also need to embrace new knowledge, ways of thinking and opportunities that arise. Change is not always easy thing to implement, but it is very important to make certain changes accordingly. It is crucial that the future is strategically evaluated, so the past is not wasted, the current maintained and a legacy for the next generation implemented.
Rob is also a member of the British Simmental Cattle Society Council and works hard, alongside his fellow councillors, to improve and maintain the breed society.
Well done Rob!
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on 17th October 2024.
About The British Farming Awards
Each year Britain’s farming industry come together in their hundreds to celebrate the achievements of individuals at the British Farming Awards. Sponsored by Morrisons and organised by Farmers Guardian, the event is attended by more than 800 farmers and industry professionals from across the UK. Back for its twelfth year, the event celebrated pioneering farmers across all sectors who were leading in areas of technology, science, food production and sustainability.
Further information can be found on the British Farming Awards website.
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