THE inaugural Cumbria Farmer Awards showcase the diversity and adaptability of our farmers in a year recognised as like no other.

Our prestigious group of judges who presided over the entries and battled through to whittle down to just three were so impressed with the high quality of the nominations, they took the unusual step to introduce Judges Special Awards and a Farmers Choice Award which will be announced on the night. The awards are organised by Newsquest Cumbria in partnership with Carlisle-based business advisers and accountants Armstrong Watson, which is also sponsoring a further category, the Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the drinks reception.

The success stories of our farming heroes will be celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony and gala dinner on Friday, October 1 at the Greenhill Hotel, Wigton.

Meet the Finalists: Against All Odds: Sian Jordan, Growing Well, Mike Walsh. Agricultural Student or Rural Skills: Jonathan Hird, Emma Blamire, Sophie Barnes. Contractor of the Year: AJ Rickerby, IJ&G Prudham, A Frizell. Dairy Farmer: SJ Brough, Tom Dent, Katherine Jenkinson. Diversification: Angus Hodgson, Dodgson Wood, Matthew Workman. Farming Champion: Pat Turnbull, Susan Aglionby, Will Cockbain. Food Retailer: St James Cheese, Low Sizergh Farm and Barn, Geldard Family. Land and Environment: Andrew Meanwell, Tim Winder, Susan's Farm. Livestock Farmer: James Duerden, Julie Brough, Craig Ridley. Supplier of the Year: Lely Center, Aspatria Farmers, Carrs Billington. Tenant Farmer: Matthew Blair, Dan Simpson & Ruby Cappleman, Martin and Arlene Fishwick. Young Farmers Club: Drigg, Penrith, Raughton Head.