THE inaugural Cumbria Farmer Awards were due to be celebrated early in the New Year.

But the worsening situation around Covid-19 has forced us to postpone the Awards Night until May 14 2021.

It is a decision which has been taken with great regret, but after consultation with our many sponsors and those involved with the awards, it was agreed that the safety and health of awards attendees is paramount.

Vanessa Sims, Newsquest Cumbria’s regional group editor said: “This decision was not taken lightly, but we must follow the Government’s strict Covid-19 rules. But the 2021 Cumbria Farmer Awards, which will bring together some of the county’s outstanding farmers and food producers, along with leading figures in the industry, are not cancelled and still need to be celebrated.”

Cumbria Farmer Awards 2021will celebrate the innovative, determined and extraordinary farmers across all sectors. They will showcase the diversity and adaptability of the Cumbrian farming community.

Entries for the 12 categories are now closed with the judges final decision expected early in the New Year.

The search to find farming’s unsung heroes is organised in partnership with Carlisle-based business advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson, who are also sponsoring a further category, the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the drinks reception

Our expert judging panel is headed by Andrew Robinson, partner and head of agriculture and farming at Armstrong Watson.

Our host for the evening is John Wharton, Cumbrian farmer and Livestock Manager and Auctioneer at Mitchell’s Auction Mart in Cockermouth and former Cumberland Show chairman for two years, who is sponsored by David Allen Accountants at Dalston.

The winners will be announced at a glittering awards dinner at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton on Friday, May 14 2021 when entertainment is provided by the popular Cumbrian band, the Soul Survivors.