Farming businesses are celebrating after they were crowned cream of the crop at this year’s Suffolk Agricultural Association (SAA) awards ceremony.

Three farms - judged independently by industry experts from outside the county - expressed delight after scooping the small, medium and large farm titles at the SAA’s annual Agricultural Awards Dinner, held at Trinity Park on Thursday, October 19.

The showcase of farming excellence and innovation, now into its sixth year, celebrates best practice from food, farming and countryside businesses across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, and includes the Suffolk Farm Business Competition, the Suffolk Agricultural Apprentice of the Year and Suffolk Farming School of the Year.

In the Suffolk Farm Business Competition, sponsored by Savills, farms are ranked within three size categories on various criteria including business management, sustainability, land occupation and community involvement.

This year’s judging panel was made up of members of the 1999/2000 alumni from Harper Adams University. Businesses were ranked against various criteria including business management, sustainability, land occupation and community involvement.

In the farms of up to 250 hectares, the award went to Fletcher & Dunt of Park Farm, Charsfield, near Woodbridge, which received the F W Barker Perpetual Challenge Cup and Tankard.

In the farms up to 500 hectares, top honours went to Porters Farms (Walpole) Ltd of Hillhouse Farm, Walpole which was presented with the Cranworth Perpetual Challenge Cup and Tankard.

The King George VI Memorial Challenge Cup and Tankard for Class 3 which recognises farms over 501 hectares was presented to Plant Larter Farms, Framlingham.

The Suffolk Farming School of the Year winning school, Acton Primary School, was awarded an engraved trophy which it will keep for the year.

The Suffolk Agricultural Apprentice of the Year winner Kerry Knott and runner up, William Appleby, were also celebrated.