Couple new to farming shortlisted for award

A husband and wife who began running a farm with no experience said they are "pinching themselves" after being shortlisted in the British Farming Awards 2026.

Organisers said for 14 years the awards have shone a light on people who go above and beyond within the farming industry to put food on plates, care for the land and inspire future generations.

Three South West farms and two farmershave been nominated for awards, including Bernadette Benney and her husband Peter, who opened Willbern farm on the outskirts of Camborne in 2025.

She has been shortlisted for the New Entrant to Agriculture award and said: "If you asked 12 months ago if we would be here now, we would have said not a chance."

The 44-year-old said it had always been her dream to own a farm because her dad, who died when she was young, used to rescue a lot of animals.

"We woke up one day and my dad had a pony in the back garden," she said.

"I've always grown up with animals and it was something I wanted to do to give back."

After noticing a gap in the market for affordable duck eggs - usually seen as a luxury - they set up Cornish Cracking Eggs and bought 500 ducks. They now have more than 1,000 on their farm, as well as two pet pigs.

Despite fulfilling her dream, Benney admitted the farm work has been a challenge.

"We put all the money we had, and we've had to borrow, into it. At one stage my husband built an outbuilding, and when we had the big storm, it fell down," she said.

"We've worked really hard and I can't say it hasn't been difficult, because it has.

"We're just plodding along like all farmers, and we're learning as we go because we are brand new with no farming background at all."

Alongside the farm, her husband owns a fish and chip shop and Benney works in transport full time.

"We would love to step back a little from our full-time jobs but running the farm has been more financially taxing than we anticipated.

"It's been hard at times, and we feel like giving up, but to be shortlisted for something like this makes it all feel worth it.

"I feel what we are doing is quite good and our ducks are happy."

Benney is helped on the 11-acre farm by her brother Justin Williams and first received an accolade with a silver Taste of the West Gold Award in November 2025 for their duck eggs.

After changing the poultry feed they were then handed a gold award in May, and in July they picked up a Great Taste Award.

She said they were learning every day from friends they had met through farming, as well as attending shows.

Others on the shortlist include Cole Farming in Tiverton, Devon, which has been shortlisted for Sustainable Farmer of the Year.

Stuart Cole said the farm is diverse and includes a biogas plant where they generate electricity and heat.

"It powers our rural energy hub, powers three farms and also now our own local pub, and we're just connecting up to our power systems as well, which is backed up with 200 kilowatts of solar," he said.

St. Ewe Free Range Eggs in St Austell has been shortlisted for Employer of the Year, and owner Rebecca Tonks for Agricultural Woman of the Year.

Tonks said it was important to recognise the team and the people around them.

"It's a real opportunity to celebrate how working together as a bit of a St Austell tribe can make a difference," she said.

"We're very lucky to work with incredibly talented people within our team and our wider farmers who are incredibly talented people."

Tonks said they had 152 staff members across the company, ranging from 17 years old to more than 70 years old.

An academy, where they have a range of apprentices starting at different levels, has now also been set up.

"It's more than just work; we are a tight-knit group of people, and we are very lucky."

Her parents, Richard and Christine Tonks, started out as dairy farmers and in 2002 moved into the free-range poultry sector.

Tonks moved back to her home and the farm in 2004, then decided to set up a packing centre.

She admitted was is still learning and by growing her own confidence she is able to "elevate other people" in farming.

Exeter-based Daw Refrigeration has also been shortlisted for Agricultural Supplier of the Year.

Managing director Ollie Daw said to see the company shortlisted amongst "the very best agricultural suppliers in the country" was a "great honour".

"Through the supply and installation of innovative robotic milking solutions, we help enable local farmers to achieve better milk yields, enjoy an improved work/life balance with reduced overheads and maintain a healthier dairy herd," he said.

"We also support the wider local food and drink industry, including butchers, cheese makers, farm shops, brewers and cidermakers, by supplying commercial refrigeration and ventilation systems to help them add value to their products and ultimately grow and succeed."

Daw said he was "very proud" of his team, who went above and beyond on every job, and to be representing Devon.

"We have always supported British farming in one way or another and love being such an established and useful cog within the South West's farming industry," he added.

The awards ceremony takes place at the Vox Birmingham on 15 October.

Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.