Framlinghamian 2023 - Flipbook - Page 265
SOF | HERE & THERE
SOF Hon Sec Ruth Elwood (P80-84)
Over the two days, judges reviewed
writes: “This year’s annual Su昀昀olk Farm
16 farms across three entry categories:
Business Competition took place on 19 and
Class 1 (up to 250 hectares), Class 2
20 June; for the 昀椀rst time ever, judged
(251-500 hectares) and Class 3 (over 501
and stewarded by a full team of Old
hectares). Awards are given from 昀椀rst to
Framlinghamians - all Su昀昀olk and Norfolk
third place in each category, with the OF
farmers. SOF Hon Gen Sec, Ruth Elwood
judges assessing the whole farm business
was invited to join eight of the OF farmers
and management of the farm, including:
for supper at Milsom’s in Kesgrave, to
enterprise management, marketing,
report on the event.
employment, and investment strategy.
Su昀昀olk Agricultural Association’s
They also had to consider business
Competition photo
sustainability of land occupation, including
The competition was organised by
product development, diversi昀椀cation, and
SAA’s John Taylor (Z77-86) and Nick
long-term development, as well as the
Watts (Z71-79), alongside Tony Pulham
farm’s social and community involvement,
(G79-84) as three SAA farmers, acting
including local education, public land use
as Stewards throughout the competition.
or employment activities. Special awards
They supported six judges, four of which
are given for the Best Crop, Livestock
were OF farmers from Norfolk, and two
Enterprise, Conservation and Farm
from Tendring in Essex, namely: James
Diversi昀椀cation.
Chapman (G75-84), Rob Norman
(S02-07), Andy Allen (K74-80), William
A great deal of ‘old school’ banter and
Gribbon (G81-84), and John Jiggens
lively conversation resulted during drinks
(G95-20) and Matt Low (G93-98) from
on the garden terrace, thereafter in the
Essex. The competition was supported
dining room, and continuing late into
by Sam Tydeman (S88-97) representing
the evening. There was one area that
Savills who help sponsor the event.
everyone agreed on which was the need
for some rain, following the extended
warm, dry weather.”
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