Farmer recognised with national honour

But enthusiastic Mr Waller represented the Chilterns with aplomb, attributing his achievement to his unbridled passion for his profession.
Mr Waller packs a lot into his working week and said: "It is my passion, " he said, "And I am proud of what I have achieved during the past eight years."
Mr Waller is a first generation farmer, having first been a contractor, then a share farmer. He now farms 1,200 acres of arable land as well as 800 acres of behalf of other farmers.
"Starting off as a contractor you have to learn pretty quickly about logistics and timeliness, not to mention communication, " he said.
He operates a six year rotation involving milling wheat, which is grown for Warburtons, the bakers, and oilseed rape.
He is very concerned about the environment in which he works and almost every field has an environmental feature.
Lots of bird boxes have been put up and Mr Waller has been gratified by the return of barn owls and kestrels to the farm.
His efforts to maintain a wide range of wild plants are unstinting. Despite growing good crops, he is careful to keep fuel, fertiliser and crop protection produce to a minimum.
He has cultivated a good relationship with his neighbours and, from time to time, he enjoys showing schoolchildren around the farm.
"You have to find the positive and focus upon it, " he said. "Otherwise, you can become cast down, and your mood will be reflected in your work."