A FORMER Borders rugby player has been named 'farmer of the year 2020' in a British awards ceremony.

Peter Eccles, who used to play for Melrose, won the top prize in the Farmers Weekly Awards for his efforts at Saughland Farm, Midlothian.

The winners were announced in a series of online videos between February 7-11.

A spokesperson from the organisers said: "A true all-rounder and an innovator, Peter Eccles pushes beyond the boundaries of common practice, readily adopting new technology and operating multiple collaborations.

"He keeps a constant focus on measuring and enhancing productivity, proudly promotes farming to the public and as a career and he cares deeply about the development and motivation of his team."

Mr Eccles also won the award for farm manager of the year.

The Farmers Weekly Awards were launched 16 years ago and recognise the work of farms which are committed to the industry. The awards ceremony has become recognised as "the biggest night in the farming calendar", according to organisers.

The Farmers Weekly magazine describes itself as the "best-read farming publication" in the UK.

The full list of winners

  • Overall Farmer: Peter Eccles, Saughland Farm, Midlothian
  • Lifetime Achievement: HRH The Prince of Wales
  • Ag Student of the Year: Grace Welling, Hampshire
  • Arable Adviser of the Year: Mark Dewes, Manor Farm, Coventry
  • Arable Farmer of the Year: Robert Price, Rooksnest Estate, Strouds Farm, Berkshire
  • Beef Farmer: James Waight, Enford Farm, Wiltshire
  • Contractor: Tim Russon, P Russon & Sons, Lincolnshire
  • Dairy Farmer: Robert Mallett, Northleaze Farm, Swindon
  • Diversification Farmer: Alice Maltby, Little Wold Vineyard, East Yorkshire
  • Farming Champion: Abi Reader, Goldsland Farm, Cardiff
  • Farm Manager: Peter Eccles, Saughland Farm, Midlothian
  • Grassland Manager: Sam Chesney, Cool Brae Farm, County Down
  • Livestock Adviser: Julian Allen, Friars Moor Livestock Health, Dorset
  • Mixed Farmer: Esther & Henry Rudge, Ballingham Court, Herefordshire
  • Pig Farmer: Charlie Thompson, Bridge House Farm,
  • Poultry Farmer: Jim & Anne Smillie, Corrie Mains Farm, Ayrshire
  • Sheep Farmer: Neil & Debbie McGowan, Incheoch Farms, Perthshire
  • Young Farmer: Bertie Newman, Manor Farm Bungalow, Dorset
  • Farm Innovator: Tim Parton, Upper Cottage Brewood Park Farm, West Midlands
  • Environmental Champion: Esther & Henry Rudge, Ballingham Court, Herefordshire