RNAA announces a winning line-up at the Norfolk Show

Wait for ages and then three come at once! The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association’s most prestigious award – the Timothy Colman prize for outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of food, farming and the countryside – was presented to Archant journalist Chris Hill at the Royal Norfolk Show by the Marquess of Cholmondeley, farmer and President of the RNAA, and also to the winners from the two previous years.

Chris is the 2022 winner of the award, and he was joined at the ceremony by previous winners Dr Belinda Clarke, Director of Agri-TechE, (2021) and Jake Fiennes, director of conservation at the Holkham Estate, (2020).

Mark Nicholas, Managing Director of the RNAA explains: “The Timothy Colman prize recognises a contribution to agriculture and Chris Hill, through his journalism, has promoted greater understanding of the sector with the wider community, shared best practice and created awareness of innovations that will keep Norfolk farmers at the forefront of competitiveness.

“We are delighted to be back in person at the Royal Norfolk Show, after missing two years during the pandemic, and it is a real pleasure to have Jake Fiennes and Belinda Clarke here to receive their awards alongside Chris.”

Also back after a break is the RNAA flagship event the Norfolk Farming Conference, to be held on 30th November 2022. Belinda has been invited to chair the event, taking over from Guy Smith, an Essex farmer and former Vice-President of the NFU.

Belinda says: “Guy Smith has played a major role in this vibrant conference for many years, so I am humbled by this invitation to take up the baton. There is a stimulating line-up of speakers for the conference and several farmer case-stories, so after missing a year there will be lots to talk about. It is an excellent opportunity to meet up with old friends and open the doors to new faces.”

A farmer based on the north-east Essex coast, Guy Smith’s farm is officially recognised as the driest in the UK. In addition to chairing the Norfolk Farming Conference for nine years, he has also served on the boards of FACE, HGCA and Landskills New Entrants Committee.

The Norfolk Farming Conference attracts about 350 farmers, producers and industry professionals; keynote speakers this year include: Tom Bradshaw (NFU), Barney Kay (Pilgrim Foods), Sir Dieter Helm and The Lord Dannatt.

Tickets for the Norfolk Farming Conference are £72 per person (£42 for students) and can be purchased through the RNAA website.