British goose newcomers award presented

Newcomer to farming in England, Lizzie Murphy, is the 2009 winner of the John Adlard Memorial Award for new entrants to goose production.

The award, which includes a number of free goslings and specialist advice, is in memory of John Adlard, founder of Norfolk Geese and chairman of British Goose Producers (BGP) for 23 years until his death in 2005.

Murphy, who is rearing 363 geese at Netherdale Farm in Monsal Dale in the Derbyshire Peak District, received the award from Eddie Hegarty, partner of Norfolk Geese and BGP vice chairman, at its annual goose walk at Radley, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

Murphy and her husband took over the tenancy of Netherdale Farm in September, but had already made arrangements with the owners, Chatsworth Estate, to bring in the goslings in June to start production for the Christmas market.