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» THE COMPETITION IS RUN by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and attracts entries from across the north of England .
Alexander Izat , of Cocklaw Farm , Berwick-on-Tweed took the honours after winning the Northumberland area section and was presented with his award at the Great
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Yorkshire Show in July . Top of the judging criteria was the degree of integration of conservation into a wellrun commercial farming system , and also evidence of future strategy in taking the measures forward . In addition , the extent to which existing habitats and features have been retained , enhanced and |
managed effectively is taken into consideration .
Chair of the judging panel , John Fenton said : “ What has been achieved on this farm in the last 30 years is absolutely stunning . It was a blank canvas when Mr Izat took it over in 1987 with derelict farm buildings and he has transformed it . Tens
Other regional winners were : WEST & SOUTH YORKSHIRE AREA WINNER
Richard Haigh , New Hall Farm , Mirfield , West Yorkshire
TYNE TEES AREA WINNER
Edward and Rachel Jewson , East Knitsley Grange , Knitsley , Consett , Co Durham
EAST YORKSHIRE AREA WINNER
Ian Hurst , Rosemount Farm , Weaverthorpe , near Malton
NORTH YORKSHIRE AREA WINNER
Stewart Stark , Fridlington Farms Ltd , Well Lane , York
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of thousands of trees and hedgerow plants have been put in as well as stone walling and ponds , one of which is particularly spectacular . It was a pleasure to see . I have been judging for six years now and the standard of entries this year was exceptional . Mr Izat was a very worthy winner .”
Mr Izat farms 430 acres , with a further 140 on contract , growing spring and winter barley , oil seed rape and vining peas . High Cocklaw Farm is the amalgamation of three farms and when the family arrived , there were no trees . Since then , they have redesigned the farms and planted 35,000 hedge plants and 30,000 trees , planting in corners and ensuring a haven for wildlife without impacting on the arable operation . Solar panels on the outbuildings provide energy for the farm .
‘ What has been achieved on this farm in the last 30 years is absolutely stunning ’
Mr Izat was the Northumberland Area winner and , as well as the trophy , he took home a cheque for £ 400 , a set of crystal glasses and a certificate which were presented by the 2015 / 16 President , Mrs Sarah York .
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