Three members of the Isle of Man’s farming community were recognised for their long service to the industry at this year’s Royal Manx Agricultural Show.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture presents long service awards each year to recognise 30 years of continuous service to the farming industry.

This year’s recipients were Glenn Leece, Allan Skillicorn and Graham ‘Picky’ Pickering.

Glenn Leece, of W F Leece & Son Ltd, has driven for the family business for 55 years and has run the company for several decades.

The business was founded by Glenn’s grandfather 93 years ago and remains a familiar name within the island’s agricultural community.

Glenn’s experience behind the wheel has also extended beyond farming, with his ability to manoeuvre modern wagons around old Manx farmyards perhaps proving useful in his involvement in motorsport, where he has successfully rallied Minis.

Fellow recipient Allan Skillicorn’s interest in farming began as a boy at Barroose Farm in Baldrine before he attended Newton Rigg Agricultural College.

He went on to spend 17 years as farm manager at Ballamona Farm before moving with his family to Clypse Farm, where he managed the farm for a further 26 years.

Mr Skillicorn has also been involved with the Royal Manx Agricultural Society since 1975, showing cattle and serving as president in 2023.

His family now run the Burger Queen at the agricultural show.

The third recipient, Graham ‘Picky’ Pickering, is better known by his nickname within the island’s farming community.

He began his working life with Chris Cowley at The Nab before becoming more widely known for his contracting work.

He worked alongside Philly Corkish before taking on the role of farm manager for Hugh Haslett at Ballamillagyn.

A spokesperson from the Royal Manx Agricultural Show commented: ‘This is a fitting recognition of three individuals who have each given so much to the Manx farming community.’