A husband and wife who started farming without prior experience, Bernadette and Peter Benney, have been shortlisted for the British Farming Awards 2026. The couple, who opened Willbern farm near Camborne in 2025, are finalists for the New Entrant to Agriculture award.
Bernadette Benney, 44, stated that if asked 12 months ago, they would not have believed they would be in this position. The farm, which began with 500 ducks for Cornish Cracking Eggs, now has over 1,000 ducks and two pet pigs. Despite the challenges, including financial strain and an outbuilding collapsing in a storm, the couple has received a silver Taste of the West Gold Award in November 2025, a gold award in May, and a Great Taste Award in July for their duck eggs.
Other South West nominees include Cole Farming in Tiverton, Devon, shortlisted for Sustainable Farmer of the Year. Stuart Cole highlighted the farm's diversity, including a biogas plant that generates electricity and heat for multiple farms and a local pub. St. Ewe Free Range Eggs in St Austell is a finalist for Employer of the Year, with owner Rebecca Tonks also nominated for Agricultural Woman of the Year. Tonks, whose parents started as dairy farmers, emphasized the importance of recognizing her team of 152 staff members and their academy for apprentices.
Exeter-based Daw Refrigeration, which supplies and installs robotic milking solutions and commercial refrigeration, has been shortlisted for Agricultural Supplier of the Year. Managing director Ollie Daw expressed pride in his team and the company's role in supporting British farming.