Farmers Mark O’Brien and Liz Vice faced the glare of the limelight when bbc Countryfile descended upon Monmouthshire Show to record their win in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Farming Awards.

This year’s competition was directed at small farms under 100 hectares/ 247 acres and Mabley Farm, Woolhope secured the winning £500 cash prize plus vouchers donated by Harold Johns Ltd, Catbrook Monmouthshire and the Farming Awards Trophy. Countryfile’s filmed the  Award presentation whilst presenters Matt Baker, Clare Balding and James Wong interviewed the winning farmers and looked at other events throughout the show.

Judges, Alan Morgan, Gadr Farm 2009 Farming Awards winner, David Price National Farmers Union Cymru, Mike Williams Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Officer and Andrew Blake Wye Valley AONB Officer judged a strong entry throughout the area and were impressed by Mabley’s unique approach to farming. Liz and Mark had established and extensive organic system supporting a huge range of wildlife whilst enhancing the landscape which included two substantial wooded areas, traditional parkland and haymeadows.

Second prize went to Mike Johnson from Broome Farm the well respected cider makers, near Ross on Wye and third to Philip and Daphne Gwilliam from Dryslade Farm, English Bicknor, Gloucestershire.

Next year’s awards will concentrate on large farms over 100 hectares so if you own or manage a farm that fits in with the criteria then start preparing because your farm could be a 2012 winner. From late spring log onto the website www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk to download the Farming Awards entry form or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The countryfile show is due to be screened on September 11,  BBC 1 at 19.30