IN PICTURES: Meet all the winners from the British Farming Awards 2019

Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture

Kicking off the evening – which was hosted by Vernon Kay - was the announcement of this year’s Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture Award, awarded to John Geldard, Founder of Plumgarths of Kendal to name but a few accolades.

John began his career more than 40 years ago after securing a tenancy with his wife Rachel on a Lake District National Trust tenanted hill farm before progressing to develop a mixed farming business on a Greenfield site near Levens, in Kendal, Cumbria.

The family-owned business employs 25 staff, and features a beef, sheep and a layer enterprise, together with Plumgarths Farm Shop Ltd supplying a multiple with a locally sourced product range and supporting more than 150 retail and food service outlets as well as other regional farming businesses.

An avid networker, both at national and regional level, John has chaired more than 20 industry groups and organisations.

He is currently a director of Farmers Fresh, a lamb processing operation with 2,700 farmer shareholders and £100m turnover, and a director of North West Auctions where he undertook a major role in developing the business on its M6 J36 site.

On receiving his award, John said: “I feel exceptionally honoured to have won this tremendous accolade after having the privilege of been involved in the agricultural industry for some 45 years.

"But without the support of my family behind me, I would not have been in a position to get out and participate in the activities I have and is why I am so grateful for their continued support.

"Awards and evenings like this are fantastic and crucial in recognising the hard work that goes in behind the scenes.

"Agriculture has a bright future and the next generation have a lot to look forward to.”

Farmers Guardian’s Farming Hero

The winner of this year’s Farmers Guardian’s Farming Hero award is Emma Picton-Jones, who established a mental health charity after her husband, tragically took his own life following a tough battle with depression and anxiety.

In the wake of Daniel’s death, Emma launched The DPJ Foundation to support individuals living in rural communities who suffer from poor mental health, especially men in the agricultural sector.

With the agricultural industry carrying one of the highest rates of suicide, the foundation aims to break down the stigma that surrounds mental health and provide support services.

The 31-year-old mother of three has spearheaded the foundation to launch Share the Load - a 24/7 telephone and counselling service for people with mental health problems in rural communities thanks to additional help she has received from volunteers.

She has also raised around £150,000 to provide mental health training to farming industry professionals to help them identify symptoms in people and provide support.

On receiving her award to rapturous applause, Emma said: “I am absolutely delighted to have won this award.

“To be recognised among the farming community feels fantastic. For me, I also feel it is a great opportunity for mental health to be at the forefront of the community’s mind.

“Mental health is one of the leading issues within our sector and I hope that this will help spread the awareness of looking after your mental health and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.”