AWARDS

This award was established in 1964 as the Massey Ferguson National Agricultural Award with the objective of recognising outstanding contributions to the advancement of agricultural in the United Kingdom. Sponsorship of the Award and lecture was assumed by the Society in 1999.

A trophy, medal and certificate are awarded, together with honorary membership of the Society.

Past winners:
2010 - John Geldard, Kendal, Cumbria
2009 - HRH The Prince of Wales
Click here to see a video of HRH being presented with the RASE’s National Agricultural Award on 22 July 2010. To read HRH’s acceptance speech during the launch of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, please click here
2008 - Emeritus Professor Allan E Buckwell FRASE, FRAgS
2007 - Norman Bagley, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
2006 - Mr John Thorley, FRAgS
2005 - Professor Wynne Jones, Harper Adams University College
2004 - none awarded
2003 - Sir Don Curry, Northumberland
2002 - Barclay Forrest, Berwick upon Tweed
2001 - Mr John Shropshire, G's Marketing Ltd, Cambridgeshire
2000 - Dr Bridget Drew, ADAS
1999 - Malcolm J Isaac

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The Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners may be awarded to a landowner who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the successful land management and development of an agricultural estate in England.

A gold medal and certificate are awarded, together with honorary membership of the Society.

Past winners:
2010 – Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, Chilton Estate
2009 - Mrs Penelope Bossom, The Overbury Estate
2008 - Mr James Johnston, Great Tew Estate
2007 - The Earl of Leicester, Holkham Estate
2006 - Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Tissington Estate
2005 - The Harris family, Brackenburgh Estate, Cumbria
2004 - Sir Kenneth and Lady Carlisle, Wyken Hall Estate, Suffolk
2003 - His Grace the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall, Chester
2002 - none awarded
2001 - none awarded
2000 - Mr Duncan Davidson, Lilburn Estate, Alnwick, Northumberland
 

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To celebrate 50 years since the Bledisloe Gold Medal was inaugurated, in 2008 the Royal Agricultural Society of England, together with sponsors Buccleuch Estates, CLA, Lycetts, Saffrey Champness and Smiths Gore produced a booklet, entitled ‘Bledisloe – 50 years of land excellence’ featuring all of the 35 winning estates between 1958 - 2008. Their estates have been of differing sizes and spread widely across the UK. Each has shown the highest standards in modern rural estate management. To order your free copy, please contact the Membership team on 02476 858303.

The Excellence in Practical Farming & Business Award recognises those who are setting a lead for other farmers on either a regional or national basis. It is open to farmers and farm managers.

An award for an outside wall and certificate are awarded, together with honorary membership of the Society.

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The RASE Woodland Award was last contested in 2004 and is under review at present. It is hoped it will resume in 2007.

The Woodland Award is given to celebrate an outstanding example of woodland and habitat management. Schemes may include the creation and or management of woodland and particular recognition will be given to innovative ideas, those that bring substantial public benefit and those creating alternative income.

A trophy and plaque are awarded, together with honorary membership of the Society.

Previous winners:
2004 - South East England

Long Service Awards are presented for approved and continuous land based services of more than 40 years.
A bronze medal and certificate are awarded. A 50-year bar maybe added at a later date. Tankards are presented for 60 or more years of service.

In 2010, awards were made to 17 workers who, between them, have clocked up 707 years of work. The longest period of service in 2010 was by Yvonne Bartholomew, who received an award for 52 years of continuous service as Farm Secretary in Flansham, Bognor Regis.

In 2009, awards were made to 27 workers who, between them, have clocked up 1,179 years of work. The longest period of service in 2009 was by Colin Doughty, who received an award for 60 years of continuous service at Glebe Farm in Costock, Leicestershire.

In 2008 awards were made to 22 workers who, between them, had clocked up 940 years of work. The longest period of service in 2008 was by Mr Tony Tegg, who received an award for 51 years of continuous service at Haines Hill Estate in Twyford, Berkshire. 

In 2007 awards were made to 21 workers who, between them, had clocked up 984 years of work. The longest period of service in 2007 was by Mr John Roddam, who received an award for 70 years of continuous service at Black Hall, in Hexham, Northumberland.

In 2006 awards were made to 20 workers who, between them, had clocked up 902 years of work. The longest period of service in 2006 was by Mr Basil Field, who received an award for 58 years of continuous service at Coval Hall, in Chelmsford, Essex.

In 2005 awards were made to 25 workers who, between them, had clocked up 1,105 years of work. The longest period of service in 2005 was by Mr John Burden, who received an award for 54 years of continuous service at Burnthurst Farm, near Rugby in Warwickshire.

In 2004 awards were made to 28 workers who, between them, had clocked up 1317 years of work. The longest period of service in 2004 was by Stanley Peter Branton MBE who had worked at Hoo House Farm, Woodbridge, for 71 years in 2004.

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The Research Medal is presented for research work of outstanding merit carried out in the UK, which is proven or likely to be of benefit to agriculture.

A medal and 300 guineas are awarded.

Past winners:
2010 – Professor James K M Brown, John Innes Centre
2009 - Professor Dirk Pfeiffer – Royal Veterinary College
2008 - Professor John Woolliams, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
2007 - Dr Angela Karp, Rothamsted Research
2006 - Professor D Claire Wathes, Royal Veterinary College
2005 - Dr Nick Sotherton - Game Conservancy Trust
2004 - Professor Martin Shirley – Institute for Animal Health
2003 - Professor Keith Goulding - IACR Rothamsted
2002 - Professor Christopher Wathes - Silsoe Research Institute
2001 - Professor John W Snape, BSc - John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park.
2000 - Professor Steve P McGrath, BSc, PhD - Institute of Arable Crops Research, Rothamsted.

In 2003 the RASE Bledisloe Veterinary Award was merged with the RASE Research Award. Previous winners were:

2002 - Richard Sibley, Devon
2001 - Professor W Ivan Morrison, BVMS, PhD, FRCPath, FRSE, MRCVS
2000 - Professor Quintin McKellar, BVMS, PhD, MRCVS, DipECVPT - Moredun Research Institute

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The Technology Award recognises those who, working in a commercial environment, have applied scientific advance into technology through the development of a product or process. These are likely to lead to cost effective improvements for farmers in any aspect of practical agriculture.

A medal and 300 guineas are awarded.

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The Student Agricultural Award is an annual prize awarded to the best agricultural student nominated by each college or university signed up to the scheme. Students are awarded five years free membership of the Society.

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The ‘Eqvalan Duo’ Equine Thesis Award, sponsored by Merial, is made by the RASE each year to recognise academic achievement in the equestrian field and to showcase the best academic research to the equestrian industry. The winner receives an engraved glass, a commemorative certificate, £500, and five year’s free membership of the Society. The winner has also traditionally had the opportunity to present their thesis to industry delegates at the National Equine Forum.

Past Winners:

For more information about the Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year Award click here.

The Talbot-Ponsonby Prize for Agricultural Valuation is presented to the candidate who receives the highest marks in the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers examinations each year.

2010 – Anna Fell, Tarporley, Cheshire
2009 - David Powell, Bloxham, Oxfordshire
2008 - Katherine Williams, Market Harborough
2007 - Ben Wills, Brown & Co, Grantham
2006 - Gareth Lay, Brunton Knowles, Gloucester
2005 - David Steel, York
2004 - Nigel Parmenter BSc (Hons), MA, MRICS, FAAV
2003 - Justin Lascelles
2002 - Stephen Stubbings
2001 - Gareth Wall, BSc, FAAV, Berry's, Shrewsbury.
2000 - Stuart Walker, White and Sons, Dorking.

Collectively the Machinery Awards Scheme, the New Equipment Awards and the Sir Roland Burke Perpetual Challenge Machinery Trophy demonstrate the Society’s support for innovation, technical excellence, proven reliability and its long standing commitment to the machinery and equipment sector.

The Sir Roland Burke Perpetual Challenge Machinery Trophy is the senior machinery award of the Society, presented to a company with a manufacturing base in the UK which has made a sustained contribution to farm mechanisation through some particular class of machinery.

Past winners:
2009 - Haith Tickhill, engineers of root crop handling machinery
2008 - Jones Engineering for their robust engineering and irrigation equipment
2007 - R J Herbert Engineering Limited, Marshland St James for potato handling and grading equipment
2006 - Harry West (Prees) Limited for livestock equipment
2005 - McConnell Limited, vegetation control equipment
2004 - Cousins of Emneth Limited
2003 - R J Bateman Engineering Limited
2002 - none awarded
2001 - none awarded
2000 - Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd

Collectively the Machinery Awards Scheme, the New Equipment Awards and the Sir Roland Burke Perpetual Challenge Machinery Trophy demonstrate the Society’s support for innovation, technical excellence, proven reliability and its long standing commitment to the machinery and equipment sector.

The New Equipment Awards, run in association with Farmer’s Guardian, are open to all agricultural, horticultural and forestry equipment companies who are exhibiting at the Royal Show.

The awards are for equipment offered for sale for the first time at a major show. The equipment should incorporate innovative ideas which are likely to be advantageous in farming operations.

Past winners:

2009
Overall Winner - Grimme Varitron 220 Self propelled Potato Harvester
Harvesting - Grimme Varitron 220 Self propelled Potato Harvester
Estate Maintenance - Alstor 8x8 mini forwarder
Tractor - John Deere 7530e
Application and Storage - Big Green Spreading Machine
Handling equipment - BDC systems, Grain Butler Automatic Path Control System

2008
Overall - Harry West for the 12m³ Diet Feeder
Livestock - Harry West for the 12m³ Diet Feeder
Arable - Simba/ James Green Farm Machinery for the SL Cultivator
Transport - John Deere for the XUV Gator
Special - Chemo for the DT- Mobile Cube 980

2007
Husbandry and Maintenance - Berthoud Tenor trailed sprayer
Livestock - Side Discharge Spread a Bale from SIMBA International
Special Purpose Equipment - LSM Kerrush Agri-Waste baler from LSM Engineering Ltd
Tractors & Transport - the latest development of the Ifor Williams EasyLoad system

2006
John Deere Limited for the HPX Diesel Gator 4WD Gator Utility Vehicle
John Deere/Parks & Grounds Machinery for the John Deere Comfortgard Cab and for 20 Series Compact Tractor
Masco Limited for the Kymco XU 300 RL
Global Recycling Solutions Ltd for the Bandit 2100 SP 4x4
Honda UK for the 675cc Rincon AT2/2WD
Husbandry and Maintenance - Berthoud Sprayers for the Elyte 1600 and ULYS Boom
Special - Talbotts Ltd for the BG100 Biomass Generator

2005
Husbandry and Maintenance - Galebreaker - Variable Ventilation System
Runner up - Spearhead - '820' 8.2m (27 ft) folding rotary topper
Tractors and Transport – AGCO Ltd - Massey Ferguson Dyna-6 transmission
Runner up - WilliamsTrailers Ltd - livestock trailer with sealed floor and sump tank
Special - Newrap of Burnley, Lancashire - Produce Wrapper
Runner up - Ranger Equipment - Ranger RJ2O

2004
General - Bomford Turner - Buzzard hedge and verge trimmer
Arable - Restrain Company Limited - Restrain System
Livestock - Shearwell Data Limited - SDL130 FDX/HDX reader
Special - G E Baker (UK) Ltd - Steko telescopic compact loader

Collectively the Machinery Awards Scheme, the New Equipment Awards and the Sir Roland Burke Perpetual Challenge Machinery Trophy demonstrate the Society’s support for innovation, technical excellence, proven reliability and its long standing commitment to the machinery and equipment sector.

Innovative and reliable machinery is essential to farm profitability. The Machinery Award Scheme is unique, being based on a rigorous examination of the performance of machines in the hands of commercial users.

Machine users across the country are visited and interviewed to assess the performance of the equipment in a variety of working situations. While efficiency and effectiveness are of paramount importance, judges also report on the economic value of the equipment, durability, availability and cost of spares, the support provided by the supplier, and safety aspects.

Award of Merit - Signifies that a machine or item of equipment has been found to be effective and reliable by users in terms of its performance and function, and that it should be included by a potential buyer in a list of possible purchases.

Silver Medal - Implies similar assurances but additionally that the product has important new features, outstanding advantages for the user and is a major item of equipment.

Gold Medal - May be awarded at the discretion of the Society to replace a Silver award for an item that is clearly outstanding in terms of innovation, technical achievement and potential service to the industry.

Entries meeting the criteria for a Silver Medal may also be awarded the Grower Award for a machine of particular significance for the horticultural industry.

Past winners:

2009

Gold
Garford Robocrop InRow Weeder - Garford Farm Machinery, Frognall, Deeping St James, Peterborough

Silver Medals
New Holland T 7000 Tractor - CNH UK Ltd                                         
Vicon RO-XL EDW spreader - Kverneland Group UK Ltd
Automatic Ventalation System - GBR Industries Ltd
QuickFencer Standard 80 – Quickfencer Ltd
Grain Butler – BDC Systems
New Holland FR 9000 Forage Harvester - CNH UK Ltd
M40 series Tractor - Kubota UK Ltd
Xerion - Claas UK Ltd

SILVER MEDAL and the HEALTH and SAFTEY EXECUTIVE AWARD

10 Series Axial-Flow combine Harvester - CASE IH, CNH UK Ltd

2008

Gold
Yara for the N Sensor ALS – With rising input costs and ever-increasing environmental pressures it is becoming more important to use nitrogen as
effectively as possible and the N Sensor provides a reliable system of achieving this.

Silver Medals

Grimme UK Ltd for the CS 150/170 Rota-Power Stone and Clod Separator and the GT 170 Harvester
 JCB Landpower for the JCB Telemaster TM310S
 Harry West (Prees) Ltd for the Seko Bio-Chopper Mixer Wagon
 JH Milnes Ltd for the Scharmuller Ball Coupling System 80
 Amazone Ltd for the Big X Self-Propelled Forage Harvester
 Scotpen for the Scotpen Mobile Sheep Handling System
 Agco Ltd for the Valtra Ecopower
 Techmagri UK for the Profilab

2007

Gold
JCB Landpower Ltd - JCB Fastrac 8250

Silver
RDS Technology Ltd - Weighlog 200
The Glenside Group Ltd - Oxygenerator
Shelton Sportsturf Drainage Solutions - Shelton Supertrencher 625 and 710
Ecorider Ltd - Ecorider diesel
S W Agriservices Ltd - SUMO Trio
Richard Keenan UK Ltd - Keenan Klassic 6-paddle mixer
Jones Engineering - Irrigation Hose Reel

Institute of Agricultural Engineers Award
Richard Keenan UK Ltd - Keenan Klassic 6-paddle mixer

2006

Gold
CHK PLC - SPREAD-A-BALE

Silver
Bryce Post Drivers - Bryce Suma Post Drivers
Claas UK Ltd - Scorpion Telehandler
Knight Farm Machinery Ltd - 1830 Self Propelled Sprayer
SIMBA Consolidation Systems - Aqueel Roller
AS Communications (UK) Ltd - Trimble EZ Steer

The Institution of Agricultural Engineers Award for equipment contributing to sustainability in agriculture and land use
SIMBA Consolidation Systems - Aqueel Roller

2005

Gold
McHale Engineering, Fusion combined baler and wrapper

Silver
Restrain Company, Ethylene Generator
Harry West (Prees), Rear Discharge Spreader
SIMBA International, SIMBA-Horsch CO drill
CNH UK, TS-A series tractors
William Taylor Agricultural Equipment, Livestock Controller
Bomford Turner Limited, Buzzard hedge and verge cutter
Amazone Limited, ZA-M Ultra spreader
Ransomes Jacobsen Limited, MagKnife blade attachment

The Institution of Agricultural Engineers award for sustainability in design and use
John Dale Zero Till Drills, Zero Till Drill.

2004

Gold
Väderstad Ltd, Rapid A drill

Silver
Stanhay Webb Limited, DART precision seed drill
Kverneland Group UK Ltd, Accord TS Tine Seeder
Richard Keenan (UK) Ltd, Keenan Klassik Bale Handler
Väderstad Ltd, Carrier
Shelton Sportsturf Drainage Solutions, Shelton System 25TM
Moore Uni Drill Ltd, Tandem Unidrill DP Series
Michelin Tyre PLC, CARGOXBIB tyre
Claas UK Limited, Claas Lexion with Terra Trac
Crop Systems Limited, CSL Evolution
McConnel Ltd, Power Arm 55 & 60

Grower
Stanhay Webb Limited, DART precision seed drill

The Royal Agricultural Society of England’s Food & Drink Champion Awards recognise the contribution that individuals/companies make to independent British food retailing, rather than judging specific products.

Eligibility
The award is open to any food exhibitor at the Royal Show, who is independent. This will cover the Food Hall, the Food Courtyard and the Food Pavilions.

Judging
Judging will take place during the first day of the Royal Show by a panel of three judges. The judges’ decision is final.

Assessment criteria

• Innovation in production and marketing including sustainability
• Connecting with the consumer: engaging customers, education, enthusiasm
• Contribution to British food and farming
• Product taste

Award
The winner will be presented with a certificate and award at the Royal Show Awards Dinner. Up to 10 commendations (subject to judges’ decision) will receive a certificate and Royal Show rosettes.

Past Winners

2009 Supreme Champion

Styles Farmhouse Ice Cream, Minehead, Exmoor
Styles is a diversified dairy farm who over 20 years have developed a unique range of cow and sheep ice cream.  Their passion has successfully led to a mouth-watering range of sheep ice cream that is naturally homogenised, low in fat, naturally sweet and innovatively packaged. They now milk over 1500 ewes (Poll Dorset/ Friesian crosses) and distribute through their own vans, bikes-stalls at the seaside and in London, in Farm Shops and high-end stores including Harrods, and through eight nationwide wholesalers.  They are even exporting across Europe and have interest in Japan.   For the time being, they have declined an offer from Tesco’s in favour of their local independent retailers.

2009 Reserve Champions (in no particular order)

Gerald David & Family
excellence in butchery
 
Cotswold Lager
a progressive business with product innovation in seasonal lager brews
 
Kev & Val’s
re-vitalising the Staffordshire oatcake
 
Clever Little Drinks Co
product innovation, adding value to dairy products & impressive customer contracts
 
Blackbrook
turning a traditional breed into a strong commercial offering
 
Aspalls
Best food & drink stand in show
 
Mornflake
outstanding contribution to British farming over 14 generations
 
Hogan’s Cider
an example of scaling a business whilst maintain the purity & quality of an artisan product
 
Just Oil
a broadening range to compliment the original product, strengthening the brand

2008 Supreme Champion

St James’ salt washed Ewe's milk cheese 
Exceptional products with strength in their simplicity, lead to St James’ being identified as the clear Supreme Champion for the 2008 Food & Drink Awards.
A range of cheeses, created through different stages maturity, provide delights to cater for different tastes and a clear story for consumers.  This story was told with a great depth of knowledge and real passion.  The Judges were impressed with how farming, cheese production, marketing and distribution are run as an integrated business.  In addition, the Judges liked the simplicity of the branding, allowing the products to sell themselves.

2008 Reserve Champions (in no particular order)

Wessex Pantry
A comprehensive range of pies with delicious fillings and a wonderful egg glaze.  Wessex Pantry was commended as a business supporting the Devon community and providing products of taste at fair price.

Flights Orchard Organics
Clearly a progressive business, championed by farmers and building on the consumer base and infrastructure identified by the RASE Food Award Judges last year.

Cotswold Brewing Co.
The Judges were delighted to see innovation in artisan lager products as there is undoubtedly a market opportunity in this area.

Aspalls
A market leader in cider with specific commendation diversification with the Apple Balsamic Vinegar.

Churchfields Ice Cream
On farm production and product innovation.  Asparagus ice cream was particularly impressive for a sweet or savoury product.

Cadogan Cider & Perry
Delicious products, particularly the Perry, and imagination in starting this new business.  Perfect branding with pleasing simplicity.  Helping to preserve heritage by reviving old apple and pear varieties.

Cornish Cheese Co.
A good product, strong story, that is scaling whilst still remaining true to their values.

Purity
A clear example of innovation in a crowded area of the market, whilst exceeding stated criteria: collaboration and contribution to agriculture, and  sustainability.

Just Oil Ltd
Product innovation and diversification in an evolving area of the market, with branding and consumer information that promotes the diversity of rape seed oil.

2007 Supreme Champion

Flights Orchard Organics
Box scheme of fresh fruit and vegetables which distinguish themselves through remaining loyal to local values. They have collaborated with neighbouring farms to provide a range of quality products. Additionally customer convenience has been enhanced by the development of their internet ordering facility.

2007 Reserve Champions (in no particular order)

Castlemoor Farm Meats
Judges were impressed by the success of Castlemoor in winning a contract to J supply over half the schools in Shropshire

Richard Haward Oysters
Instrumental in the revival of the Colchester oyster industry. Successful promotion of clams (a by-product of oyster harvesting) from surplus product to profitable element of the business

Tyrrells
Well known successful business which positively filled all the criteria the judges were looking for in the RASE Food Champion Awards.

Birchfield Diary
Although their principal product is ice-cream, the judges were impressed with their butter. There is strong demand for artisanal butter, and the judges saw great potential in Birchfield focusing on this line.

Hogan’s Cider
Superb product locally sourced, pulling together a number of orchards that were in danger of becoming redundant.

The Parson’s Nose
Great story in their heritage as a 200 year old family business but they remain successful due to their innovation and taste.

Hill Farm Oils
Leading the initiative to develop a truly British quality product. Churchfields Ice Cream — imaginative product range with knowledgeable staff who are well trained to engage with their customers.

Flights Orchard Organics
Box scheme of fresh fruit and veg which distinguish themselves through remaining loyal to local values. They have collaborated with neighbouring farms to provide a range of quality products. Additionally customer convenience has been enhanced by the development of tteir Internet ordering facility.

Special Commendation
Taste of Lincolnshire stand. Presented a number of local producers as well as a great example of how to promote local food producers all brought to life with a cookery theatre.