WEST Somerset farming family Andrew, Tracey, and Robert Speed have been shortlisted for a prestigious Farmer’s Weekly 2024 award.

They run a beef, sheep, and arable farm with 195 Hereford sucklers and 1,400 ewes which they uniquely lamb three times in two years at Briddicott Farm, between Carhampton and Withycombe.

Now, they are one of three finalists in the Farmer’s Weekly mixed farmer of the year category, the other two coming from Essex and Wiltshire.

It is for farmers and farming businesses operating a mixed range of complimentary enterprises.

No single farm sector will be dominant, but there might be two or three which are equally weighted.

The judges look for achievements and success in quality, productivity, and profitability in each of the farming sectors, and how they work together to create one sustainable farming business.

Winners in all of the 15 different awards categories and the overall winner of the coveted Farmer of the Year Award will be announced at a live ceremony in the Grosvenor House Hotel, London, on October 3.

This year will see a special celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the flagship awards and the 90th anniversary of Farmers Weekly itself, which first published in 1934.

The awards recognise and reward farmers for innovation, hard work, and commitment to the industry and celebrate the best in the country by telling their stories.

They aim to spread best practice, inspire others, and influence the public about the role that farmers play in today’s society.