The deadline to buy tickets for the inaugural South West Farmer Awards has been extended to October 25.

Held in association with nationally respected agricultural insurance company Cornish Mutual, the awards event is being held at Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton on November 3, starting at 6.30pm.

There are nine main awards to be presented on the night, including Young Farmer of the Year and Outstanding Achievement.

Tickets are limited, subject to availability and tickets must now be ordered by October 25. For details contact Roland Ebert on 01326 213322 or email rebert@nqsw.co.uk or click on southwestfarmer.co.uk.

South West Farmer is published by Newsquest, publishers of Smallholder magazine and the Packet series of newspapers from its offices in Falmouth, Cornwall

Posted to almost 11,800 named subscribers in the south west’s agricultural industry every month, South West Farmer has been delivering the region’s agricultural news and views across Cornwall, Isles of Scilly, Devon, Somerset, Avon, Dorset and Wiltshire for more than 30 years.

South West Farmer editor Paul Armstrong said: “We have a wealth of talent in the farming industry in the south west and these awards are an opportunity to honour the skills and experience from across the agricultural community. The awards ceremony promises to be a great night so make sure you are there to join us. I would also like to thank Cornish Mutual for agreeing to be our sponsors.”

The event is the perfect opportunity for businesses to network with like-minded people as well as the chance to socialise with their peers and enjoy a delicious three course meal.

Cornish Mutual board member Jeremy Oatey said: “The inaugural South West Farmer Awards are the perfect opportunity for the region’s farming industry to recognise success, highlight innovation and in particular showcase the work of our future and forward-thinking farmers.

“With nominations now closed and the judging process under way, I am certainly looking forward to learning more about those businesses and individuals who are setting the pace in the industry and adapting to a changing market place. But to me the awards are much more than that. Being in the agricultural community in the South West is about more than just business.

“Yes, we need to be profitable and as successful as we can be, but it’s a community that I believe is unlike any sector in the economy – we genuinely live, work and play together. I have also long believed that the farming industry plays a much more significant role in South West society than is often realised. We are the custodians of the landscape and through our love of the country life, our hard work and commitment to running successful businesses, we in turn craft the amazing landscapes that the West Country is so famous for.

“This summer has been another bumper year for tourists, and we know that many come down to spend time in the countryside, surrounded by nature. The region’s agricultural community has for generations shaped and nurtured that environment and continues to do so today, and that’s something of which we should all be hugely proud.

“The ethos behind these awards very much mirrors the values of the farming community, as well as those of Cornish Mutual, who I am proud to be associated with. The company was started in 1903 by a group of visionary farmers who decided that by taking a co-operative approach and working together they could achieve far more than they could as individuals. I look forward to the awards dinner and joining everyone in celebrating that togetherness, as well as the brightest and best in our community.”