Farmers from all over the UK came together last Thursday (October 16) for the British Farming Awards, celebrating the inspiring achievements of individuals and partnerships.
Once again sponsored by Morrisons, the event at The Vox, at Birmingham's NEC, was attended by more than 800 farmers and industry professionals. Now in its 13th year, the sell-out event celebrated pioneering farmers across all sectors who are leading in areas of technology, science, food production and sustainability.
Alongside farming's core sectors – including dairy, beef, sheep and arable – there was recognition for a record five female award winners, students, family farms, new entrants, nature-friendly enterprises and the huge number of diversifications which are now so crucial to many businesses.
This year saw a record number of award entries, shortlisted by an expert team of judges, with winners of each category being announced by host, multi-award-winning comedian and author Russell Kane.
READ NOW: Genetics key to success for North Ireland pedigree beef herd
Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones opened proceedings with a rousing speech, highlighting the ingenuity and resilience of the farming industry and reaffirming FG's commitment to holding those in power to account and lobbying for change against damaging policies through our Save Britain's Family Farms campaign.
There was a special honour for HRH The King's charity, The Royal Countryside Fund, which won the Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture award, in recognition of HRH The King and The Royal Family for consistently promoting and supporting British agriculture. The charity is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
And Baroness Kate Rock won the inaugural Women in Agriculture Award. Baroness Rock chaired The Rock Review into agricultural tenancies, which was commissioned by the Environment Secretary and published in October 2022, making important policy recommendations for the farming sector. A tenant farmer herself, she is a powerful advocate for the tenanted and farming sector and holds tremendous influence in Government.
CAAV secretary Jeremy Moody was honoured with the BFA's Outstanding Contribution Award for his tireless dedication to agriculture over his career, particularly in the last 12 months in helping the industry fight its corner over the family farm tax and articulating the damaging effects of cuts to agriculture's budget.
Clarkson's Farm star Jeremy Clarkson supplied beer and cider for the evening, courtesy of his brewery, Hawkstone. The charity partner was the Farming Community Network, with guests raising more than £8,500 to help rural communities in need.
Agricultural Student of the Year – Sponsored by Lantra
George Elliott – Derbyshire
George Elliott has forged an impressive path in agriculture, driven by his passion for machinery, innovation, and sustainability. Now in his final year studying Agriculture with Mechanisation at Harper Adams University, his journey began on his grandfather's smallholding and developed through a placement and scholarship with JCB Agriculture.
Despite not coming from a farming background, George has excelled academically, led student mentoring, and researched agricultural telematics to boost machinery efficiency. A Young Farmer, pianist, and vintage machinery restorer, he blends heritage with technology. Recently joining JCB full-time, George aims to drive innovation in precision and sustainable farming.
Commenting on winning the Agricultural Student of the Year award, George said: "I'm proud to study agriculture. I've never wanted to do anything else than study and work in agriculture so this is a nice reward for the last four years of my degree".
Agri-tech Innovator of the Year – Supported by Agri-Tech Centre
Herdwatch - Shropshire
Herdwatch, based in Shropshire, is revolutionising livestock management for over 22,000 farmers across the UK and Ireland. Its mobile-first platform replaces paperwork with real-time recording of herd events, from treatments and breeding to compliance, integrating with databases, parlour software, and sensors.
In 2025, Herdwatch launched Herdi, farming's first AI assistant, transforming complex data into instant, practical advice. Herdi combines farm records with weather, market, and regulatory insights to guide smarter decisions, from identifying underperforming cows to optimising fertiliser use. By saving time and simplifying compliance, Herdwatch and Herdi make precision farming more accessible, sustainable, and profitable. Upon receiving the award, they stated it was an ‘absolute honour'.
Arable Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Arable Farming
Will Oliver – Warwickshire
In Warwickshire, arable farmer Will Oliver is proving that innovation, efficiency, and environmental care can thrive together. Farming winter wheat, beans, and grain maize alongside his family, Will focuses on soil health, reduced inputs, and maximising Sustainable Farming Incentive options. BASIS and FACTS qualified, he carries out all agronomy in-house using a largely no-till system, integrating poultry manure, cover crops, and grazing sheep to improve fertility and biodiversity.
Innovation drives the business, with zero insecticide use, companion cropping, and trials with BOFIN, Syngenta, and Agrovista. Through NFU and RB209 roles, Will champions nitrogen efficiency, resilience, and data-led decision-making toward Net Zero by 2040.
Will said: "I am really happy, a lot of hard work goes into this, not just from me, it's from the family and the whole team. It's an industry to be proud of, it's all we do and we love it."
Beef Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Massey Feeds and Harpers Feeds
Katie-Rose Davies - Glamorgan
Farming 600 hectares in the South Wales Valleys, Katie-Rose Davies runs 45 Stabiliser suckler cows and 1,000 Welsh Mountain ewes on a low-input, grass-based system. Since 2019, she and her husband, Trystan have transformed herd performance by switching from pedigree Welsh Blacks to Stabilisers, achieving 102% scanning, zero mortality, and weaning weights of 250–300kg.
In 2025, Katie-Rose introduced No Fence virtual collars to enhance grazing, biodiversity, and soil health while managing SSSI land more effectively. Her data-led approach proves that upland suckler systems can be profitable, sustainable, and central to biodiversity, wildfire prevention, and Net Zero goals.
Reacting to receiving her award, she said: "I'm over the moon. It's a fantastic industry, we're the most resilient people I know, producing top quality food for the nation while looking after the environment."
Content Creator of the Year – Sponsored by Hillsgreen
Graeme Parker - Wigtownshire
With over 8.1 million followers and 110 million monthly views, Graeme Parker (The Hoof GP) has become a leading digital voice in farming. From his Wigtownshire base, he educates global audiences on hoof care, herd health, and livestock welfare, blending technical expertise with storytelling. His content has inspired farmers, vets, and newcomers, with many now qualified hoof trimmers.
Beyond farming, Graeme raises awareness of mental health, safety, and animal husbandry, while his 2024 book sold 55,000 copies. Expanding into agri-tourism and international partnerships, he continues to showcase modern farming, combining skill, compassion, and innovation to a worldwide audience.
Contractor of the Year – Sponsored by The Farming Community Network
Neil Fell - Durham
Durham-based contractor Neil Fell has revolutionised sheep dipping in the UK through N R Fell Mobile Sheep Dipping, specialising in parasite control and flock health advice. Operating four cage dipping units nationwide, Neil designed his own system in 2016, boosting throughput from 1,000 to over 4,500 sheep per day while prioritising animal welfare, operator safety, and environmental efficiency.
His innovation has influenced UK dipping standards and attracted international interest. Committed to customer care, his team offers tailored advice and rapid response to outbreaks. With plans to expand into Europe and the Caribbean, Neil continues to raise welfare standards and efficiency in sheep management globally.
Reflecting on winning the award, and the industry, he said: "The community is amazing, and it's great to be in an industry that's passionate about the countryside and animals."
Dairy Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Barclays – Agriculture
Zara Dorrington – Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire farmer Zara Dorrington is innovating across her family's 800-hectare mixed dairy and arable farm, working alongside her father and uncle. Managing 340 milking cows on a summer block calving system, Zara has focused on efficiency, welfare, and sustainability. Investments include a heat-mitigating shed, three-times-a-day milking, genomic testing, a slurry separator, and extended pipelines, improving yields, milk solids, and nutrient use while reducing mastitis by 80%.
Her arable rotation supports both dairy and soil health. Looking ahead, Zara is enhancing water and slurry storage and continuing infrastructure improvements to boost resilience, sustainability, and long-term productivity across the farm.
Zara reflected on the night, saying, ‘people who don't expect to can enter and win awards. There's nothing like a bit of healthy competition, getting dressed up and enjoying a night out," she added.
Diversification of the Year (Large) – Sponsored by Dudley Peverill Associates
Cotswold Farm Park – Gloucestershire
Founded in 1971 by rare-breeds pioneer Joe Henson, Cotswold Farm Park is a leading example of farm diversification. Now run by Adam Henson and Duncan Andrews, the 650-hectare Gloucestershire farm combines conservation, education, and enterprise. It remains a working mixed farm, showcasing rare and native livestock while welcoming over 170,000 visitors annually.
Families enjoy hands-on encounters and seasonal events, while schools benefit from educational visits. Diversification includes camping, glamping, events, retail, and catering, supported by renewable energy and digital systems. Employing over 130 staff and generating £400,000 monthly, the Park balances heritage farming with innovation, securing a sustainable future for British agriculture.
Sam Walton, livestock manager of Cotswold Farm Park said: "We want to introduce people to farming in a fun way, the British Farming Awards are brilliant because, you have everyone in the same room, ambassadors of the industry all together celebrating British farming."
Diversification of the Year (Small to Medium) – Sponsored by NFU Mutual
Jannike Taylor – Eden Yard – Cumbria
Nestled in Cumbria's Eden Valley, Eden Yard showcases how farming innovation and local food production can thrive together. Run by Jannike and Ben Taylor with Ben's father Alan, the 260-hectare mixed farm embraces regenerative practices alongside diversification. Three years ago, it became Cumbria's first producer of cold-pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil, now supplying over 75 retailers and Michelin-starred restaurants.
The range includes oils, dressings, mayonnaises, rapeseed honey, and flour from heritage grains. On-farm pressing and bottling ensure quality and zero food miles. With a new farm shop, school visits, and community initiatives, Eden Yard champions sustainability, short supply chains, and resilient local food systems.
Jannike said: "We are blown away, it feels amazing and we feel so grateful to be recognised, and it's just nice to get out of our wellies.
"This is the best industry in the whole world, it's the most important industry in my view, it's the heart of the country."
Employer of the Year – Sponsored by Agri-works
CXCS Group Ltd – Herefordshire
Herefordshire-based CXCS Group has built its success on people, providing compliance and consultancy services to over 3,000 farmers and landowners. The company fosters a supportive, family-friendly culture, offering structured training, funded qualifications, and tailored career development. A 2024 client-facing digital portal streamlined services while creating new internal opportunities.
Wellbeing is prioritised through a dedicated officer, flexible working, group walks, and mental health support. Social events and team-building strengthen morale. This people-focused approach has driven 20% annual growth since 2020, expanded services, and earned awards including Herefordshire Business Awards Employer of the Year 2023, proving that investing in staff underpins business success.
As the first winners of this award, the team commented that it was the, ‘best job in the world, we're predominantly a female company, and it's great to have that representation in this industry.'
Family Farming Business of the Year - Sponsored by Goodyear Farm Tires
The Coar & Walker Family – Lancashire
At Lane Side Farm in Lancashire, the Coar & Walker family run a sustainable mixed beef and sheep enterprise. Their 1,000 Logie x Aberfield ewes lamb outdoors on a grass-based system, prioritising easy lambing and strong maternal traits. The 50-strong pedigree Hereford herd, celebrated with a milestone production sale, reflects a focus on structure, longevity, and consistency.
A three-generation partnership, Stephen and Lizzie Walker lead breeding, livestock management, and marketing, while parents and children contribute. Innovations like outdoor lambing and pedigree Herefords have improved welfare, reduced costs, and enhanced resilience. Balancing tradition and innovation, the family secures a sustainable future for the farm and industry.
When asked how it felt to win the award, they said: "We're just shocked, never in a month of Sundays did we think we'd win, it's the best and most important industry in the world so this is very humbling, it's good to let our hair down and celebrate with fellow farmers."
Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture – Sponsored by Eternit
The Royal Countryside Fund
Flying the Flag for British Agriculture is The Royal Countryside Fund, established in 2010 by HRH The King. The royal family's support for British agriculture, has helped 5,500 family farms and 550 rural community projects across the UK. Its Farm Resilience programme, delivered through local partners, strengthens farm and financial resilience while exploring environmental opportunities.
For rural communities, grants of up to £30,000 support organisations aiming to improve local wellbeing. By connecting people through workshops and advisory support, the Fund empowers communities to help themselves. Its ongoing goal is to raise more funds to extend this support and fulfil the King's charitable vision.
Upon winning the award, the Keith Halstead, executive director of The Royal Countryside Fund said, "We are overjoyed at winning the award, and firstly thank you so much. This is our 15 anniversary year, so it's very special in that regard. But of course, it's a collective effort of The Royal Countryside Fund staff, supporters and trustees. But of course we're so thankful to His Royal Highness The King. We are very proud to provide practical grounded support for farmers."
Farm Worker of the Year – Sponsored by ISUZU
Takara Comrie – Lincolnshire
At just 22, Takara Comrie demonstrates remarkable resilience and leadership at Limestone Farming Company, Lincolnshire, managing a 1,200-hectare farm with a large pedigree Stabiliser suckler herd. When the head stockman fell ill, Takara stepped up, overseeing calving, feeding, bedding, weaning, herd health, and record-keeping alongside one colleague.
Her proactive approach, including bull fertility testing and rapid coccidiosis intervention, safeguarded herd productivity and ensured smooth operations despite challenging weather and staff shortages. Starting as a trainee, she continues to develop her skills with the farm's vets, earning recognition as a highly capable and respected herd manager.
On receiving the award, she said: "I'm not from farming so even to be here is great, but to win is amazing. I didn't think I'd ever win."
Grassland Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Germinal
Rob Havard – Worcestershire
Rob Havard, sixth-generation farmer and professional ecologist, manages Phepson Angus / Havard & Co across 717 hectares in Worcestershire and Shropshire with his fiancée Lizzie Hulton-Harrop and father David. His 122-cow pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd is spring-calving, outwintered, and thrives on pasture alone, with over 90% calving in the first cycle.
A pioneer of Holistic Planned Grazing, Rob builds resilient pastures that support livestock and wildlife, reducing costs and improving soil health. He exports genetics internationally, develops diverse swards, and champions carbon sequestration and biodiversity, combining profitable beef production with ecological restoration.
Reflecting on the award, Rob said: The industry seems to be under attack at the moment, and it's really nice to have everyone in the same room, supporting each other and celebrating our industry."
Manufacturer of the Year – Sponsored by LAMMA
Kuhn – Shropshire
KUHN Farm Machinery UK, based in Shropshire, has served British farmers for 55 years, offering solutions across arable, grassland, feeding, and bedding. Recent innovations include the LAMMA 2025 gold-award-winning OPTIMER SST stubble cultivator, the precision AERO 32.1 fertiliser spreader, FC 13460 RA mower conditioner, autonomous KARL tractor concept, and baler automation systems.
Sales grew over 21% from 2020–2023, driven by technology adoption and strong dealer networks. Sustainability underpins KUHN's work, from low-impact strip-till to plastics recycling, while outreach to Young Farmers, colleges, and schools supports the next generation, cementing its role as a leader in modern, sustainable agriculture.
The KUHN team said: "We've been before and thoroughly enjoyed the night, it's good to focus on the positives and celebrate the great things in the industry."
READ NOW: Kuhn launches high capacity trailed sprayer with large scale ambitions
New Entrant Award: Against the Odds – Sponsored by Hawkstone
James Newhouse – North Yorkshire
Aerospace Engineer, James Newhouse, left a 20-year Rolls-Royce career to pursue a childhood dream of farming in North Yorkshire. With his wife Amy, he established Megs Farm on 52 hectares at 1,000ft, running Belted Galloway cattle and Swaledale and Herdwick sheep under a regenerative, Pasture for Life-certified system. Cattle are outwintered and slow-reared, while sheep are sold locally or via meat boxes.
Guided by national park advisors and Pasture for Life mentors, James implements rotational grazing, soil monitoring, and habitat restoration. Family and community are central, with neighbours helping at haymaking and tree planting, creating a sustainable, productive, and biodiversity-friendly farm.
On receiving the award, he said: "I am shocked, and it's really great to win when it's such a fantastic shortlist. It's a great industry to work in, providing for our country, and we all care about what we do. It's like being part of a great big team."
Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture – Sponsored by Myton Food Group
Jeremy Moody
Jeremy Moody has dedicated decades to supporting UK agriculture, serving as Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV since 1995. Instrumental in shaping the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995, CAP reforms, and emerging UK policies, he advises on tenancy, taxation, valuation, planning, climate, and environmental issues. Colleagues praise his exceptional intelligence, oratory, and ability to distil complex policy for practical understanding.
Over the past year, he has been pivotal in highlighting the impacts of family farm tax and agricultural budget cuts. He also serves as an Assembly member of TEGoVA and Vice Chairman of the European Valuation Standards Board, championing farmers at national and European levels. Farmer and friend of Jeremy, Lord Donald Curry, said: "We don't need AI when we've got Jeremy Moody – he does it all for us."
When reflecting on winning the award, Jeremy Moody said: "It's an enormous honour. I am very appreciative of the words that people said. I enjoy dealing with people, people who are dealing with enormous problems."
Regenerative Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by The Ethical Butcher
Colin Chappell – North Lincolnshire
Colin Chappell runs Chappell Farms, a 485-hectare arable farm in North Lincolnshire, combining owned and tenanted land. Embracing regenerative practices, he uses minimal soil movement, cover crops, and diverse rotations, including milling wheat, OSR, peas, beans, and maize.
A quarter of the farm is dedicated to wildlife, with 31ha in Miscanthus. Focused on soil health and nutrient efficiency, techniques like carbon-wrapped nitrogen and catch crops have cut inputs, reduced CO₂ by 100 tonnes, and improved soil structure. Colin also educates 400 schoolchildren annually, demonstrating that regenerative farming can be productive, resilient, and environmentally responsible.
After receiving the Regenerative Farmer of the Year award, Colin said: "I'm in a state of shock, I entered this award to see how far I've got, I've only been going at this for five years, and I'm so chuffed, so thank you."
Sheep Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Ceva Animal Health
George and Nicola Wordie – Aberdeenshire
Farming 554 hectares in Aberdeenshire, George and Nicola Wordie run a mixed enterprise of suckler cows and 1,040 Scotch Mule and Texel sheep. Lambing indoors February–March, their flock scans at 218%, with triplets fed via an automatic Volac system. A multi-purpose shed enhances productivity and mitigates weather challenges. Innovation drives efficiency, with calving cameras and automatic handling systems reducing labour and stress.
Nicola's social media presence shares farming realities, promotes agriculture, and supports mental health. Committed to sustainability, the Wordies protect wildlife, run five wind turbines, and combine generational experience with modern technology to champion responsible sheep farming.
They said: "We're immensely proud to be able to produce food for our country that is healthy and nutritious."
Sustainable Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by NSF
Mat and Lloyd Smith – Cambridgeshire
Fourth-generation farmers Mat and Lloyd Smith manage 198 hectares in the North Cambridgeshire Fens, combining commercial success with sustainability. Their diverse rotation includes wheat, barley, millet, linseed, and potatoes, alongside environmental stewardship. By adopting strip tillage, inter-row hoeing, and cutting nitrogen use by a third, they maintain yields while reducing inputs.
Wildlife habitats have been enhanced through wildflower corners, bird seed mixes, and pollinator zones, alongside their Spadger Bird Seed business. Community initiatives, like their charity sunflower walk, complement their work. Award-winning and collaborative, the Smith brothers champion a resilient, sustainable future for Fenland farming.
Discussing the award win, they said: "We are chuffed to bits and really pleased for all our hard work to be recognised. We are doing what every farmer is doing every day, but we have the opportunity to share that with the public."
Women in Agriculture Award – Sponsored by Farmers Guardian
Baroness Kate Rock – Dorset
Baroness Kate Rock is a passionate advocate for tenant farmers and the wider agricultural sector. A tenant farmer herself, she chaired The Rock Review in 2022, offering key recommendations to Defra on the future of agricultural tenancies in England.
Appointed a Life Peer in 2015, Kate sits on the House of Lords Select Committee on the Rural Economy and holds several non-executive roles, including Chair of Costain plc, Senior Independent Director of Keller Group, and Director of Wrackleford Farms. She also serves as Director and Trustee of The Royal Countryside Fund, championing women's leadership and influence in agriculture.
Upon winning the award, Kate said: "I'm feeling completely overwhelmed, thrilled to win the first Women in Agriculture Award, and a huge well done to all the women shortlisted."
When asked what advice she would give to farmers, she said: "Be brave, be bold, and be innovative. Everyone can do that, no matter what kind of farmer you are."
READ NOW: British Farming Awards: Soil-first approach helps Cheshire dairy farm build sustainable future
