Young farmers recognised at Manx agricultural show

Young farmers from the Isle of Man have been recognised at an award ceremony as part of the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

Dougie and Belinda Coole, of Ballamodha Dairy Farm in Malew, won the Tomorrow's Farmer Award. They were given a cheque for £100 and a glass trophy.

Beef farmer Trevor Quirk, of Corvalley Farm in Peel, was awarded the Young Farmer prize.

They were given their awards at a ceremony on Friday evening.

Six other young nominees were presented with £50 in cash and certificates.

'Very challenging'

Four judges visited each farm and assessed them for their efficiency and profitability, focus on customers, efforts to promote local food production, their plans to diversify and commitment to conservation.

John Shimmin MHK, minister at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: "Judging was very challenging as we were impressed by all the nominees and in particular by their drive and enthusiasm for a positive future for farming in the Isle of Man.

"I hope their stories will inspire and encourage other farmers to think creatively about their businesses and to believe in a bright future for Manx farming."

The Royal Manx Agricultural Show, in Sulby, is a celebration of farming and has attracted large crowds since it was first established in 1979.