A Cheshire farming family has been nominated for a national award by their MP.
Graham Warburton and his family were put forward by the Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury for the National Farmers Union’s inaugural Community Farming Heroes award.
The scheme recognises farmers who play an important role in their local communities.
Graham, along with wife Liz and son George, lives at Depmore Farm in Kingsley.
Meanwhile, Graham’s brother Geoff (with wife Gill and son Richard) are based down the road at Hatley Farm in Frodsham.
The Warburtons run both farms as one business.
Mr Amesbury, who presented a certificate to Graham and Liz in recognition of their work locally, said: “I love the family’s passion and enthusiasm for their farming business along with how they engage with the community – including selling their potatoes and eggs from the gate!
“The farms also host school visits. Children are taught about the importance of food production and looking after the countryside.
“Farming practices are integrated closely with care of the natural environment.
“For example, their own barley provides feed and straw for the cattle, which subsequently provide manure for the crops.”
He added: “The Warburtons go above and beyond in everything they do and as such are worthy winners of the Community Farming Hero Award in my constituency.”
The Warburton family run a mixed-arable farm of approximately 1,200 acres.
They grow wheat, barley, potatoes, oilseed rape, and beef cattle – and their operation involves six family members, covering three generations.
Graham Warburton, known as ‘Farmer Graham’ by locals, commented: “The family are delighted to have won this award.
“It is more important than ever that farmers engage with the general public to explain how their food is safely produced to the highest standard.”
Having been selected by Mr Amesbury, the family is now through to the next round of the awards.
Regional winners and national winners were due to have been announced at a reception in London on 14th September but the event was postponed following the death of The Queen.
