Arla farmers triumphs at Farmers Weekly Awards
Arla farmer owners Peter and Di Wastenage are the first ever-dairy farmers to be crowned Farmer of the Year at the Farmer Weekly Awards.
The pair, who own a Devon farm, had already been awarded the Best Dairy Farmer earlier in the evening and were surprised to win the most prestigious award of the night. The Rt Hon Liz Truss MP, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, presented the award.
Di Wastenage, comments, “It was amazing to receive the award for Best Dairy Farmer but to then be awarded Farmer of the Year was a lovely surprise to end a great evening especially as no dairy farm has ever won it before. We dedicate it to everyone involved in our farming business, all the other Arla farmers and also the dairy industry as whole who have had a challenging year.”
The judges claim it was their ability to have clear targets to achieve high profitability and creative thinking to lower production costs that won them the award.
Debbie Beaton, editorial projects director at Farmers Weekly, adds, “Peter and Di are a shining beacon for the future of UK family farms. Despite the phenomenal growth of their own dairy business, they find time to mentor and motivate others to share in their success.”
Brian Yates from Kirkcudbrightshire near Dumfries, was named runner up to the Wastenage’s in the Best Dairy Farmer Award, making the whole night a success for Arla.