THE search to find the finest farmers in the North is underway.

The second Northern Farmer Awards are to be held in March 2015 at Harrogate.

The awards, organised by The Northern Farmer magazine, published by the Newsquest Media Group, are designed to recognise and celebrate achievements in northern farming.

Awards will be presented in nine categories, including beef farmer of the year and dairy farmer of the year. There are also categories for the sheep and arable sectors, farm managers, green farmers and family-run farms.

The awards night will be held at the Great Yorkshire Showground on the evening of Thursday, March 19, compered by ITV Tyne Tees presenter Pam Royle.

Mole Valley Country Stores is the event’s principal sponsor.

The 2014 Northern Farmer of the Year and Farm Manager of the Year was Richard Price, of Lowther Park Farms, Penrith.

Farmers can enter the awards online at www.northernfarmer.co.uk/awards. The closing date for entries is January 12.