A couple whose stand against rural crime 30 years ago grew into a major Farm Watch scheme were crowned the 2023 Northern Farmers of the Year at a spectacular ceremony on Thursday night.
The awards, at Pavilions of Harrogate, saw prizes handed out in ten categories, before the overall winners were announced as Peter and Gladys Stubbs, of Brown Jug Farm at Kinninvie, near Barnard Castle.
Appalled by rising rates of thefts in their community three decades ago, the couple began patrolling at night around the local area, and encouraged family, friends and other local farmers to get involved. The Stubbs co-ordinated everything long before the use of mobile phones, emails, and social media and their efforts led to the creation of Teesdale and Weardale Farm Watch.
The scheme has been such a success that it has since been expanded throughout County Durham and now adopted in other parts of the country.
The 2023 Northern Farmer Awards at Pavillions of Harrogate. Northern Farmer of the Year - Gladys & Peter Stubbs. Presented by Sam Holdstock. Picture by Tom Banks
Four years ago, the couple were awarded MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to agriculture and the community, and on Thursday, after earlier winning the outstanding achievement category, they were named the overall Northern Farmers of the Year for 2023.
They received a standing ovation from more than 350 guests as they picked up the award.
The 2023 Northern Farmer Awards at Pavillions of Harrogate. Picture by Tom Banks
Speaking to host Wendy Gibson after being presented with the accolade by Sam Holdstock of principal sponsor Mole Country Stores, an emotional Mr Stubbs said: "We started Wear and Tees Farm Watch over 30 years ago, and doesn't time fly when you're enjoying yourself. As far as tonight goes, we've just been completely blown away, I would sincerely like to thank everyone in this room for making this such a magic night."
Host Wendy Gibson at the 2023 Northern Farmer Awards at Pavillions of Harrogate Picture by Tom Banks
"I want to say thank you to all the members of Farm Watch who have run with us – we couldn't have done it without them," added Mrs Stubbs.
In an unprecedented move in the history of the awards, judges were unable to split the finalists in the Young Farmer of the Year category and decided to give all three the title – Maddy Welford, of Selby, Jamie Teasdale, of Wethercote Farm, Skiplam, and Andrew Langthorne, of Crawford Grange, Brompton, Northallerton.
The 2023 Northern Farmer Awards at Pavillions of Harrogate. Young Farmer of the Year Award - Maddy Welford, Jamie Teasdale, Andrew Langthorne. Presented by Kevin Braithwaite of NFU Mutal. Picture by Tom Banks
2023 roll of honour:
Family Run Farm of the Year, sponsored by Yorkshire Agricultural Society: The Henshaw family of Mainsgill Farm, East Layton
Farm Manager of the Year, sponsored by East Durham College: Philip Vickers of Raby Estate Farms
Arable Farmer of the Year, sponsored by White Rose Agriculture: Jonathan and Matthew Hodgson of Great Newsome Farm, Frodingham
Dairy Farmer of the Year, sponsored by LC Longtown/Lely: The Hildreth family of Curlew Fields Farm, Hessay, York
Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual: Maddy Welford, Jamie Teasdale and Andrew Langthorne
Diversification of the Year, sponsored by Carrs Billington: The Palmer family, of Breckenholme Trading Company, Malton
Sheep Farmer of the Year, sponsored by G Youll & Son: Ian Wilson of Searchlight Farm, Nunthorpe
Beef Farmer of the Year, sponsored by KW Feeds: Tom Waring of Park Farm, Everingham, York
Women in Agriculture, sponsored by George F White: Lizzie McLaughlin and Becca Wilson
Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by Strutt & Parker: Gladys and Peter Stubbs of Brown Jug Farm, Kinninvie
Northern Farmer of the Year 2023, sponsored by Mole Country Stores: Gladys and Peter Stubbs of Brown Jug Farm, Kinninvie
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