Yorkshire Post Rural Awards: Heralding cream of region’s rural life in landmark 10th year

Nominations open today for The Yorkshire Post Rural Awards 2026 and will close on August 2.

The awards honour the best of what is happening whether on a farm, in the community or any kind of organisation.

This year’s awards will be have a headline sponsor of Nufarm, based at Wyke, Bradford, which is one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of crop protection solutions and speciality seeds, while the Yorshire Agricultural Society will also sponsor the event.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Nufarm UK & Ireland are proud to sponsor the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards for the third year running. Inspired by the outstanding contributions and achievements across the industry, we are delighted to celebrate the innovation, resilience and dedication that continue to drive progress and success in Yorkshire’s agricultural community."

Following the success of last year’s event, the awards will once again see inspirational individuals and groups challenging for 16 categories, including eight farming awards.

The event at the Pavilions of Harrogate at the Great Yorkshire Showground in September, which will be hosted by farming writer Chris Berry, will see the awarding of titles for Dairy, Cattle, Pig, Sheep, Poultry, Arable, Mixed Farm and Rare Breed farms.

Other awards will include Farm Shop, Environmental Initiative, Educational Initiative, Farming or Rural Event, Rural Accommodation, Rural Business and Agricultural Innovator of the Year.

The latter category, created by Nufarm, celebrates individuals, businesses, or organisations driving forward-thinking solutions in farming. It recognises those who embrace cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and novel approaches to improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship in agriculture.

Finally, the Rural Rising Star of the Year award will recognise a farmer, entrepreneur, or agricultural professional under the age of 35 showcasing passion, innovation, and dedication to farming or rural enterprise and demonstrating the drive and potential to shape the future of Yorkshire’s countryside.

Mr Berry said: “During the past decade The Yorkshire Post Rural Awards have become one of the most prestigious events in the countryside calendar, honouring those who often go unsung. They are a very real celebration and many past recipients are now drawn to coming again to enjoy what is always a fantastic, glitzy social evening that is uplifting and inspirational and I am delighted to be hosting it once again.”

An event organiser added: “As this is the 10th year anniversary of the event, expect a few surprises on the night!”

Last year’s awards saw judges narrow down the finalists from more than 100 entries.

Studdah Farm in Wensleydale scooped both the Overall Farm and Dairy Farm titles, while Barnburgh Farming, near Mexborough, landed the Arable Farm title and Treebridge Farm, near Stokesley received the Cattle Farm accolade.

The black tie awards dinner will be held at the Pavilions of Harrogate at the Great Yorkshire Showground in the autumn on a date to be announced.

Nominations are welcome from anywhere in the traditional Ridings of Yorkshire. Nominations can now be made via the Yorkshire Post Rural Awards website at yorkshirepostruralawards.co.uk