Six enterprising young livestock farmers have been shortlisted for an annual award which offers a £5,000 prize to help develop their business. The biennial Chris Lewis Award was launched following the death in 2007 of its namesake – a respected stockman and sheep breeder who was known for supporting young people.
The contest is open to Norfolk farmers under the age of 30, involved in livestock production, or an associated business.
The six finalists for 2017, and their projects, are:
• Megan Atkins – cattle handling equipment.
• Emma Germany – fencing barrow, livestock trailer, polytunnel.
• Robert Hirst – packaging, labelling and meat storage.
• Michelle Lakey – mobile sheep handling system, purchasing Berrichon pedigree sheep.
• Jade Lanham – sheep handling system.
• Oscar Smith – mobile handling system, electric fence.
The six were among 13 applicants interviewed by a panel chaired by Edward Stanton and including Mr Lewis' widow Jane Lewis, Roger Long, David Hill and Christopher Deane, secretary of the Norfolk Farmers Trust, which provides the money for the award, which will be presented at Snettisham Park in West Norfolk on June 6.
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