TIME is fast running out to nominate a deserving candidate for a top farming award.

Tomorrow, September 18, is the deadline for entries into the Three Counties Farmer awards.

The awards have already attracted record entries, but we want to make sure that all the farmers and those in the industry who deserve public recognition are entered.

So far entries have come in from far and wide across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire.

The nominations include many inspiring stories of how farms have battled through floods and Covid and been a vital support for local communities, particularly with food deliveries.

But there are also stories of fantastic conservation work, creativity, efficiency and dedication.

This year’s awards ceremony will be in the form of an online live broadcast because of Covid, and will be hosted by Countryfile presenter Adam Henson.

There will also be a special appearance by the President of the National Farmers Union, Minette Batters, whose message is bound to be keenly anticipated by farmers given the current uncertainties facing the industry over trade and standards because of Brexit.

The NFU is currently running a Back British Farming campaign and Minette made a marked impression when she was guest speaker at the awards last year.

Minette runs a tenanted family farm in Wiltshire. The mixed farming business includes a 100 cow continental cross suckler herd, and a small herd of pedigree Herefords as well as sheep and arable.

Diversification includes the conversion of a 17th Century tythe barn into a wedding and corporate events venue, and horse liveries.

Other special guests will be dropping in, including adventurer and Tv presenter Ben Fogle: Michael Chakraverty, 2019 Great British Bake Off Finalist; and Stu Deeley, MasterChef: The Professionals 2019 winner.

Categories are: Sheep Farmer Award; Farm Conservation; Cattle Farmer; Family Run Farm; Pig Farmer; Young Farmer (under 25); Poultry Farmer; Farming Hero; Arable Farmer; Farming Contractor; Fruit/Hop Farmer; Outstanding Achievement.