Award Categories

Message from head judge: A different approach in a difficult year

Stewart Houston, chair of the award judging panel – said the judges will adopt a different approach this year, in recognition of the challenges producers have been facing, both in terms of the backlog and the financial situation.

“We realise we are going to receive different types of entries this year – and we will have to rely less on some of the usual criteria we have used in the past, particularly the numerical data,” he said.

“But we still want to recognise and reward our industry champions – and excellence and innovation come in many forms, especially during a crisis. So we will also be looking at other criteria, such as how producers, managers, stockpeople and vets have got through by implementing contingency plans, how staff were managed and motivated and what other steps have been taken to support your own businesses and the wider industry.

“We know some of you might think you haven’t got much to shout about this year, but very often it is in adversity that people set themselves apart. So, please, don’t be put off from entering – it could give your team the boost it deserves!”