Pinnacle Awards

Pinnacle 2022 champ Ben Chilman

Farm business management skills were to the fore in the 2022 Pinnacle Awards. Charles Abel reports

HARPER Adams University took a strong one-two in the 2022 Farmers Club Pinnacle Awards for farm business management students.

Sponsored by the Cave Foundation and run with consultancy firm ADAS the prestigious competition drew entries from colleges and universities across the United Kingdom.

Overall winner was Ben Chilman of Harper Adams University, with William Pugh also of Harper Adams second, and Pavel Bocharov from the University of Nottingham third.

Celebrating its 25th year the competition champions young people who will drive rural businesses forward for decades to come – a concept espoused by awards instigator and 1997 Club Chairman, Roy Walker, nephew of the late Wilfrid Cave.

The 2022 judges were especially keen to see detailed plans to help farms cope with declining support payments, with a strong grasp of business planning, finances, cashflow and sensitivity analysis.

Prof William McKelvey, Chair of the judging panel, commended all finalists on their dedication in a difficult year. Given the severe challenges faced by educational establishments, lecturers and students throughout the covid pandemic the breadth and strength of entries paid great testament to the determination and grit of those involved.

The judging panel included ADAS Technical Director Business Management James Dunn, Farmers Club Chairman and Devon farmer John Lee and Farmers Club Journal Editor Charles Abel, with the interviews, presentations, awards ceremony and celebration dinner all held in the Club.

“We are looking for the ability to write a report concisely, and the determination to defend it, a clear presentation style, strong communication skills, and a good degree of common sense, and selfconfidence,” noted Prof McKelvey.

“It is good to see business leaders of the future making the effort to enter a competition and seize the opportunities it presents,” noted Mr Lee. “The marketing and selling of their concepts really shone through.”

A strong focus on practical farming is key. “Support cuts mean all farmers need to keep doing what they are currently doing, but better, as well as seeking diversification revenue streams and engaging with climate change and environmental management,” Mr Dunn added.

Pinnacle 2022 (left-right) Hazel Murray, Liam Gillbard, Pavel Bocharov, Ben Chilman, John Lee, James Dunn, Kelvin Thomson, William McKelvey, Marion Muir, Toby Greenhalge, William Pugh.

Harper Adams University

Glamping pods by Instagram-able River Lugg fully costed, with robust competitor analysis, achievable occupancy rates, and dog-friendly “snug on the Lugg” USP. Good business acumen, confident presentation skills, good cashflow and sensitivity analysis.

Harper Adams University

Extending an existing commercial pheasant shoot’s infrastructure by adding 10 days per year of simulated clay shooting.

Nottingham University

Extremely detailed costings/ analysis to tweak arable rotation, expand stewardship and add DIY horse livery.

Runners-up (all finalists receive one-year free Club membership).

Farm tenancy enhanced with calf-rearing, beef finishing and regen-ag adjustments.

24/7 milk vending using provenance to market pasteurised and flavoured milk.

Niche range of tweed garments produced on-farm using Border Leicester wool.

Cosy Shepherd’s huts with hot tubs in stunning star-gazing tranquil scenery.

Gluten-free multivitamin dog treats from farm-grown ingredients.