Awards Night 2024

We recently held our highly anticipated annual awards night, an event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of our esteemed members.

This year, the Peewit award was presented to Lodge Farm in Freston and Oliver Paul for his outstanding management of the supply chain and environmentally conscious farming practices within his beef herd. In his speech, Oliver Paul detailed how he approached the various schemes available, how he utilised the SFI pilot project, as well as the opportunities he now uses to get the most out of every action he takes on farm. Of particular interest is how he cultivated the relationship with the Suffolk Food Hall butchers to ensure that no beef products go to waste whilst also ensuring that the cattle on farm are healthy, happy and profitable. It was a pleasure to see images of the wildlife on the farm and hear how these practices are helping the wellbeing of man and beast on farm and in the community.

The Tim Sloane award was presented to Scarff Farm and Burnt House Vineyard, with James and Cat Scarff, in recognition of their innovative vineyard and events venue, as well as their strategic business management approach driven by data analysis and meticulous planning. Despite James and Cat being unable to attend due to, appropriately, business commitments, their parents accepted the award on their behalf, in conjunction with SFWAG Senior Advisor Sven Wrenn, gave a presentation on the trials and tribulations of setting up a whole new crop and farming system on an already regeneratively leaning system. The candid view of costs and relationships bore invaluable fruits of information for our other members who may be keen to adopt similar practices themselves. The preparation of the family and the utilising of the various skills they all possess to achieve such a successful enterprise mean that they are worthy winners of this year's award.

Jeanette Dennis, representing our generous sponsors at Ashton's Legal, delivered an reassuring and steadfast address on the latest developments resulting from the agricultural budgets. The invaluable partnership between Ashton's Legal and Suffolk FWAG have been able to sign post concerned farmers to support and advice regarding succession, future proofing and wages amongst a host of other specialist information. For help and support, please reach out via https://www.ashtonslegal.co.uk/your-business/agriculture-and-estates-solicitors/

During the keynote address at our event, Adele Jones, the CEO of the Global Farm Metric under the Sustainable Food Trust, delivered an enlightening speech that shed light on a crucial aspect of the agricultural industry. Jones articulated a vision for harmonizing communication within the sector by introducing a common framework for discussing environmental agriculture. By emphasizing the importance of utilizing tools such as the Global Farm Metric, she underscored the significance of evidence-based approaches in supporting the regenerative principles that underpin each farm's unique operations. Jones' presentation not only highlighted the necessity of aligning industry practices with sustainability goals but also offered a roadmap for fostering collaboration and innovation across the supply chain. The insights shared by Jones served as a catalyst for reimagining the future of agriculture, encouraging stakeholders to embrace a holistic approach that prioritizes environmental stewardship and long-term viability.

We hope you enjoyed the evening and found it full of useful information. We look forward to welcoming you to our events next year.