RICHARD Fuller, who farms in Great Givendale, Pocklington, has been chosen to receive the Royal Agricultural Society of England's Excellence in Practical Farming Award for 2004.

Mr Fuller is one of just two farmers in the UK to be selected to receive an award this year, which recognises those who are setting the pace in modern agriculture. The society presents the award to farmers who are helping to create a climate of commercial awareness, technical efficiency and international competitiveness.

Mr Fuller has been part of JSR Farming for about 30 years, managing arable of about 900 acres and livestock on 500 acres at Givendale.

In 2000 he became livestock specialist and technical director of the Beef Improvement Group. Working to improve the economic production of high quality beef from forage based systems, he led the development of a successful suckler cow breeding programme.

He was also winner of the 1995 Silver Lapwing Award for his conservation methods.

Updated: 14:53 Wednesday, June 09, 2004