CLA members honoured at Cornwall Farm Business Awards

Two CLA members were amongst the winners of this year's Addington Fund Cornwall Farm Business Awards.

The awards, now in their 15th year, celebrated excellence, innovation and dedication to the farming industry in Cornwall.

It was a night of double celebration for Peter and Jenny Olds of Cornhill Farm as they took home the trophy for Best Commercial Farmer and were crowned Cornwall’s Farmers of the Year 2024.

Cornhill Farm is a mixed arable and poultry enterprise in West Cornwall. It has recently moved away from supplying supermarkets and now distributes its eggs direct to local customers. Jenny and Peter present an excellent mixed farm with a real drive to expand the business, add value to their products and develop their markets. Their focus on ensuring quality, tasty eggs for the consumer, their enthusiasm to embrace new ideas and their collaboration with fellow producers for mutual gain shone through as admirable commercial qualities.

Christopher Murley was crowned the winner of the Best Dairy Farmer category. Christopher started farming in 1976, milking pedigree Jersey cows. As one of the most westerly dairy farms, the location allows the farm to be efficient in growing grass providing grazing for 10 months of the year, helping to product exceptional quality milk. In recent years, Christopher has reduced milking to once a day, producing 4,000l per cow. The family’s eye for detail and pride in the herd were just two of the reasons cited for being chosen as the winner.