For thirteen years, the British Farming Awards has shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.
The 2025 Family Farming Business of the Year finalists have been selected because they were able to clearly demonstrate a shared vision of where the business is going and who is responsible for the different areas core to the farm. At the heart of many farms lie the families behind them who, through generations, have developed the business to help secure its place in years to come. All of the finalists are made up of multiple generations working collectively to overcome any short-and-long-term business challenges, developing new ideas and efficiencies, and demonstrating succession planning to help safeguard the family farm.
Proudly Introducing the Finalists for Family Farming Business of the Year 2025
The Chappell family - Lincolnshire
Farming on the banks of the River Ancholme in Northern Lincolnshire, the Chappell family run a 485-hectare arable enterprise combining commercial success with conservation. With 25% of land dedicated to environmental stewardship and 31 hectares in Miscanthus, they embrace regenerative practices on challenging heavy clay soils, balancing productivity with biodiversity.
The business grows a diverse rotation including milling wheat for Warburtons, oats, oilseed rape, peas, beans and forage crops for a neighbouring AD plant, alongside long-standing seed contracts. Soil health is at the heart of their approach, trialling innovative nutrient strategies and reducing nitrogen, fuel and chemical use while maintaining yields. This has cut CO₂ emissions dramatically, transforming from net emitters to net sequestration.
The family's vision extends beyond the farm gate. Each year they welcome around 400 disadvantaged children to learn about food and farming, bridging the gap between agriculture and society. An ex-AHDB Monitor Farm, they remain committed to knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Now in their fifth generation, the Chappell's manage owned, tenanted and contract-farmed land, with Colin leading operations alongside two full-time staff and the support of family. Their ethos is clear: progressive, sustainable farming rooted in community and stewardship.
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The Coar & Walker family - Lancashire
At Lane Side Farm in Lancashire, the Coar & Walker family run a progressive mixed beef and sheep enterprise built around efficiency, sustainability, and family. Their flock of 1,000 Logie x Aberfield ewes lambs outdoors on a grass-based, New Zealand-style system, without concentrates, selected for easy lambing and strong maternal traits. Alongside this, they manage a herd of 50 pedigree Herefords under the Hoghton View prefix, cattle that have become central to the farm's identity. Celebrating 12 years with a milestone production sale this June, the herd reflects the family's focus on structure, longevity, and maternal strength.
The business is a true three-generation partnership. Stephen and Lizzie Walker take the lead on breeding, livestock management, and marketing, while Lizzie's parents remain actively involved, and even their three young children play a part. Together, they have embraced key innovations such as outdoor lambing, which has reduced labour, cut costs, and improved animal health. Introducing pedigree Herefords has added value, docility, and consistency, making the system more resilient and family-friendly.
With open communication at the heart of their succession planning, the Coar & Walker family balance tradition and innovation to secure a sustainable future for their farm and the wider industry.
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The Hall family - Berkshire
Hall Hunter Partnership is one of the UK's leading berry growers, producing premium strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries across 330 hectares in Berkshire and Surrey. Founded by Mary and Mark Hall in 1966, the business is now led by their son, Harry Hall, with a strong leadership and management team. At peak season, the business employs around 1,500 seasonal workers alongside a core team of 120 permanent staff, supplying all major UK supermarkets.
Hall Hunter manages the entire process from propagation through to packing and distribution, ensuring quality, sustainability, and supply chain efficiency. Annual production includes 5,800 tons of strawberries, 2,200 tons of blueberries, 800 tons of raspberries and 140 tons of blackberries, making them the UK's largest blueberry grower.
The family has pioneered innovation with heated polytunnels powered by water-source heat pumps, AI-driven grading and packing systems, and the UK's first automated blueberry harvester. Alongside these, renewable energy projects now generate 50% of the business's electricity.
Succession and staff development are central, with a strong emphasis on training and promoting from within. With its B Corp certification and commitment to Net Zero, Hall Hunter continues to lead the sector with quality, responsibility and innovation at its core.
The Semmens family - Cornwall
Farming on the stunning Cornish coast for four generations, the Semmens family run Raftra Farm, a 1,200-acre mixed enterprise near Land's End. Dairy, arable and environmental management sit side by side, creating a diverse, resilient business. Their 227-cow Holstein Friesian herd supplies milk to Saputo for Cathedral City cheese, while around 400 acres of potatoes are grown for major snack brands including Walkers, KP and Tyrells. Cereals, maize and brassicas complement the rotation, supporting both livestock and soil health.
Sustainability is central to Raftra. The family is enrolled in Higher-Level Stewardship, with cliffside land designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, where they have worked with the RSPB to reintroduce the Cornish Chough. Habitat creation, tree planting, renewable energy and rainwater harvesting all contribute to their net zero goals. A recently restored pond project at Trendrennen has already boosted biodiversity.
Raftra is a true family farm, with Derek and his wife leading the dairy, supported by Lizzie as calf rearer, secretary and accounts manager, alongside her brother-in-law and nephew on the arable side. The next generation is already stepping forward, ensuring succession. Balancing innovation with tradition, the Semmens family exemplify farming that works for people, livestock, and the land.
Taking place on 16 October at The VOX in Birmingham, the event will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.
Get your tickets here to celebrate with the finalists at The British Farming Awards
