Tom Ryder, Farmers Guardian interim deputy digital editor, has won the British Guild of Agricultural Journalists’ John Deere Training Award, with his article titled: Profitable upland farming: How Shropshire farmers are making the environment pay.
The John Deere Training Course has been running for more than 30 years and has an extraordinary track record in helping journalists, public relations (PR) professionals and marketeers enter the industry.
Led by David Mascord, a renowned journalist and lecturer, and supported by a range of experienced guest speakers, successful applicants embark on the two-and-a-half-day course before being placed at a publication or PR agency for work experience.
Tom’s winning article featured a farmer-led group in Shropshire, The Upper Onny Farmers Group, who are working together to help improve land, water and wildlife while being financially stable, and was published as part of a Farmers Guardian water special.
Featuring various farmers from the group, the article highlighted how collaboration and knowledge exchange plays a key part in ensuring businesses thrive in the future, despite the uncertain political landscape.
Tom described it as an honour to win the award, and as someone who is from a farming background, promoting the sector is something he is passionate about.
“Farmers like those in the Upper Onny Farmers Group are paving the way for anyone who wants to farm with nature, without losing out on profitability,” he said.
“They are demonstrating real examples of farmers who have improved their land, water and wildlife, while also strengthening their margins.
“It is widely overlooked how much farmers care for the land they tend. No industry works with nature quite like ours, and we should shout about those who are showing how it can be done profitably.”
“This is the key outlook – it is not about taking land out of food production, it is about working with your farm’s land rather than against it.”
Judges said Tom’s story was ‘well written and thoughtfully sourced’.
The award will be presented at this year’s British Guild of Agricultural Journalists Harvest Lunch on October 9 in London.
