Celebrating 26 years of the Pinnacle Awards: Recognising the Future Leaders of Rural Business
Marking its 26th year, the Pinnacle Awards continue to spotlight young individuals poised to become the future leaders of rural business.
The 2024 judging panel, which included experts from ADAS and The Farmer’s Club, sought candidates who could present comprehensive plans to help farm businesses navigate the reduction in support payments. A thorough understanding of business planning, finance, cash flow management, and sensitivity analysis was crucial for crafting a robust plan.
Professor Nigel Scollan, Chair of the judging panel, praised the finalists for their dedication and hard work throughout the process. The finalists’ submissions were rigorously evaluated by an esteemed panel comprising of ADAS Technical Director James Dunn, Farmers Club Chairman Richard Maunder FRAgS, and James Drysdale, ADAS Agri Business Consultant and winner of the 2023 Pinnacle Awards.
This year’s competition was highly competitive, with ADAS narrowing down a long list of entrants to a shortlist of eight for interviews at the Club. The judging criteria focused on the ability to write concise reports, the determination to defend them, clear presentation style, strong communication skills, and a solid mix of common sense and self-confidence.
This prestigious award was founded by Roy Walker, 1997 Club Chairman and nephew of the late Wilfrid Cave, with a vision to foster emerging talent in the agricultural sector. The Pinnacle Awards continue to honour and support the next generation of leaders in the agricultural industry, ensuring a bright future for rural businesses.
Winners of the 2024 awards
Pinnacle Gold, Nickerson Cup: Lucy Jermyn, Royal Agricultural University
Lucy developed a comprehensive business plan for Ampney Brook Farm, detailing three enterprises and three diversifications supported by thorough market research, practical implementation strategies, financial analysis, and considerations for environmental schemes, labour, legal, and machinery needs.
Pinnacle Silver: Holly Bonner, Bridgwater & Taunton College
Holly conducted a detailed investment appraisal for a beef enterprise at Rodway Farm, presenting and comparing three potential systems, ultimately recommending the second system, and included the physical requirements, marketing strategy, and full financials for the proposed enterprise.
Pinnacle Bronze: Sally Griffiths, Aberystwyth University
Sally’s detailed analysis of Yaris Farm identified expanding the dairy herd as a profitable opportunity, supported by comprehensive financial planning, partial budgets, and gross margins.