Salle Farms Employee presented with Bishop’s Award by Prince William at the Royal Norfolk Show
Salle Farms Company
The Prince of Wales presented an award to a committed young Norfolk farm environmentalist during his surprise visit to the Royal Norfolk Show.
Prince William spoke to Robert Jackets, an apprentice at Salle Farms, near Reepham, while handing him the Bishop of Norwich Sustainable Environmentalist Young Employee of the Year Award.
The prize-winner is studying on a crop technician course at Easton College, and grew up just two miles away from Salle Farms, dreaming of working on the large machinery there.
His application explained how Salle Farms limits its environmental impact, and his particular interest in the field margins established through the arable farm’s Countryside Stewardship agreement.
“Growing up I’ve always had a passion for farming, agriculture and big machinery,” he said.
“I don’t come from a farming community family, but I grew up surrounded by countryside.
“Getting the apprenticeship was great, and now getting a full-time job is a dream come true.
“In the future I’d like to help mentor other apprentices and do more with cultivation and drilling. I’m really happy and grateful to receive this award.”
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, was also on hand for the presentation of the award and its £1,000 cash prize at the Royal Norfolk Show.
He said: “Robert is a worthy winner in the second year of this award. It was encouraging to see his interest in soil types, minimal tillage and cover crops and I wish him well as he seeks to pursue a career specialising in crop cultivation.
“It gives me hope in the future of environmentally-conscious farming that seeks to enhance biodiversity.”
The annual competition was judged by the Food and Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), the education arm of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.
It is open to employees and apprentices aged under 21, who work for a Norfolk-based employer within the land-based sector focusing on land management, conservation, countryside management, ecology, climate change management, forestry management or horticulture.