A LONG-SERVING employee for agricultural market leader Cefetra Ltd has been honoured for his 39-year contribution to the business with a prestigious community award.

Grain dryer operator Roger Penny, who started his career with the company in 1985 at the age of 16, has been given a lifetime achievement award at the 2024 Love Local Trust Local Awards, held to celebrate small and independent producers and businesses in Dorset and the surrounding areas.

At an awards evening held at the Members Pavilion at the Dorset County Show last Tuesday (September 3), Mr Penny was presented with a plaque marking his achievement and a voucher for meal at Plumber Manor Country House Hotel, in Sturminster Newton, Dorset.

Mr Penny began work 39 years ago at Wessex Grain at Henstridge Trading Estate, near Templecombe, which was later to become part of Cefetra Grain.

He joined the team running the intake, storage and out-loading of grain in the company’s flat stores and the silos, a role he held for decades afterwards.

Mr Penny said: “I am pleased to receive this award in recognition of my work for the company. It means a lot for my contribution to be acknowledged as part of an event celebrating small and independent businesses.”

Cefetra Grain is part of Cefetra, founded in 1992, a major trader of grains and animal feed ingredients to the animal nutrition, food and drink industries.

Manager Simon Wilcox said Cefetra Grain was pleased to see Mr Penny’s unique contribution to the business recognised.

Mr Wilcox said: “Soon after joining, Roger became an invaluable member of the team as the main operator of the grain dryers and has gone on to serve the company for 39 harvests.

“A popular figure, well known to all the lorry drivers and local farmers who delivered into or collected from the store, we are very grateful for his contribution and commitment to the company over so many years.

“Providing value in a socially responsible way with a balanced concern for people, planet and profit, Cefetra Grain operates independent supply chains, so we are pleased to be part of the celebrations organised by Love Local Trust Local.”

The 2024 Love Local Trust Local Awards feature 16 categories including producers, retail, hospitality, business growth, rising stars, conservation, and lifetime achievement.

Held every two years, the awards are organised by Love Local Trust Local, a self-funded initiative supported by a small group of dedicated individuals which was set up in 2018 to protect, encourage and promote Dorset produce and practices, serving as the voice for producers, local businesses, and rural communities.

Founder of Love Local Trust Local, Barbara Cossins, said: “Congratulations to Roger Penny and all of the winners at this year’s Love Local Trust Local Awards, who embody everything about positive about our local small and independent producers and businesses.

“Our goal is to educate local communities about what is grown, produced, caught, reared, brewed, crafted or cooked in their own home counties, so we are grateful for support of Cefetra Grain among our sponsors for 2024.”