For twelve 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 2024 Grassland Farmer of the Year finalists have been selected because of their outstanding farming techniques. Each finalist is pushing the boundaries with grassland management, their knowledge and application of such results in leading yields and quality nutritional values, alongside sustainable practices. While this award is open to all sectors, the finalists selected have developed innovative grazing systems, maximising grass growth and nutritional potential, whether that be through reseeding, mowing, achieving good soil health and regular monitoring.   

Finalists – Grassland Farmer of the Year – Sponsored by Germinal

Stuart Johnson – J R G Johnson – Northumberland

West Wharmley Farm, led by tenant farmer Stuart Johnson in Northumberland, spans 430 hectares and specialises in beef and lamb production. The farm supports 300 cattle and 700 ewes, with a small amount of arable land for home use. Over the past decade, Stuart, alongside his brother James, and their parents, has transitioned the farm from a high-input system to a low-input, regenerative model, prioritising soil health and sustainable grassland management.

Central to the farm’s success is Stuart’s innovative approach to grassland management, which has significantly improved both yield and nutritional value. Since 2012, the farm has adopted regenerative grazing practices, including mob grazing and adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) systems. These methods extend the grazing season, reduce the need for supplementary feed, and enhance soil health by building organic matter and biological activity. This has allowed the farm to drastically cut its use of synthetic inputs, such as fertilisers, pesticides, and fungicides, while maintaining healthy, productive grasslands.

The farm’s shift to diverse seed mixes in temporary grass leys—comprising 65% grass species, 20% herbs, and 15% legumes—has improved soil fertility and lengthened the grazing season. This approach has reduced the farm’s reliance on arable land from 73 hectares to 30 hectares, decreasing the need for winter feed and straw. Additionally, the farm has transitioned to a Stabiliser cattle herd, better suited to the low-input system, and Innovis bred sheep, which thrive on forage-based diets. When made aware of being a finalist, Stuart said it was “a very nice surprise” although their farming techniques feel normal to the family, “in the terms of the wider farming community it probably seems quite different”.

Stuart is committed to creating a resilient farming system capable of withstanding climate change and fluctuating government policies. His focus on soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration positions the farm as a model for sustainable agriculture. The farm is actively tracking its carbon footprint, aiming to demonstrate that it sequesters more carbon than it emits. Looking ahead, Stuart plans to simplify farm operations, ensuring each enterprise is profitable and sustainable.

Andy Goodwin – D & P Hollinshead – Cheshire

Andy Goodwin runs Dayhouse Green Farm in Cheshire, which spans 155 hectares, including some rented land. In 2020, Andy and his wife Katy took over the family farm after her father had an accident. Over the first year, they modernised the farm, introduced a new herd, and invested in infrastructure like water systems and tracks.

The farm operates with 300 autumn-calving cows, focusing on high-fat, high-protein milk for their contract with Joseph Heler. Cows graze from March to mid-October on a 95% grass diet, thanks to meticulous grazing management, measuring and recording results through Agrinet. In winter, cows are fed a simple diet with a pivot steer loader in troughs, consisting of grass silage, maize, and corn. The Goodwins have achieved a 9% empty rate in their latest breeding season, thanks to in-house AI and careful planning.

Andy and Katy, along with two full-time staff and an apprentice, run the day-to-day operations. The farm’s management harbours a positive working environment, investing in staff training and adjusting schedules to increase job satisfaction.

Soil health is a key focus at Dayhouse Green Farm. The Goodwins have reduced ploughing, implemented cover cropping, and improved soil compaction management. They also use soil testing for targeted nutrient application, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. Their efforts have cut nitrogen usage by a third without sacrificing grass growth.

To ensure sustainability and resilience against fluctuating milk prices, the farm follows a low-cost, grass-based system. Investments in infrastructure, like tracks and water troughs, extend the grazing season and reduce reliance on machinery. The farm is also prepared for future energy efficiency upgrades, with plans to install solar panels.

Andy is committed to improving forage production, reducing waste in the herd, and continuously enhancing soil health. The farm also engages with the local community, hosting school visits to educate the public about sustainable farming practices. Commenting on being a finalist at the awards, Andy said, “ I have always been passionate about grassland farming and I feel privileged to be shortlisted and have the hard work and achievements of the team recognised by the British Farming Awards”.

James Herrick – Herrick Partnership - Leicestershire

James Herrick owns 176 hectares at Folly Farm in Leicester, where the farm is undergoing a significant transition from a mixed livestock and arable system to a grassland-only focus. This shift stems from an in-depth analysis of the farm's enterprises, margins, and machinery assets, coupled with the family's passion for suckler cow farming.

A key aspect of this transformation is the transition from set stocking to rotational grazing, a change initiated by James's father, Eddie. This system, which involves daily moves based on dry matter allocation, has led to noticeable improvements in grass growth, quality, and livestock performance. The farm is also shifting its cattle breed from Belgian Blue X British Friesian to Stabiliser cattle. This change allows the family to regain control over breeding and align with their grazing system and goals of rearing and finishing cattle on grass. Currently, the farm is 50% Stabiliser, with the Blue X cattle being phased out.

Looking ahead, the Herricks plan to increase their herd to 250-300 suckler cows, implementing a strategic breeding program with a focus on fertility. Bulls will be run with large groups of cows for nine weeks, while heifers will have a six-week breeding window. The farm's spring calving block and high-health herd status are maintained with minimal reliance on vaccines and wormers.

James, who has progressively taken over the farm's management, with Joanne covering accounts and office work, emphasises the importance of mindset in navigating the volatile agricultural markets. He advocates for economic costing and scenario planning to strengthen the farm's resilience. James also sees potential in collaborating with local arable farmers to integrate livestock into their systems, especially under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme.

To further enhance sustainability, Folly Farm is committed to reducing machinery usage and housing periods. They are also participating in the AHDB's Baselining pilot to measure soil carbon levels and create a personalised carbon audit and action plan. Through these strategic changes, the Herrick family aims to create a more resilient, profitable, and sustainable farming business that can thrive in the face of industry challenges.

John Blackett – Mungeon Farm – Cumbria

This is the third category in the British Farming Awards that John Blackett and his family are finalists in. John manages Mungeon Farm, spanning across 200-hectares of lowland pasture in Cumbria, where he has transformed the operation into a cutting-edge example of grassland management. The farm, previously operates under a higher-tier Countryside Stewardship agreement, emphasising sustainable and regenerative practices, with areas of the farm sat within the Lake District National Park (World Heritage Site). The farm also has a diversification on site which is run by John’s wife and daughter.

At Mungeon Farm, John uses his expertise to achieve exceptional yields and high nutritional quality from his pastures, which are primarily grazed by a herd of Belted Galloways. These native cattle are integral to the farm’s strategy, helping to restore and maintain diverse habitats while meeting the requirements of the stewardship scheme.

John has shifted from set stocking to a sophisticated rotational grazing system, allocating grass on a dry matter basis and moving cattle daily. This approach has significantly improved grass growth, quality, and stock performance. By implementing these advanced grazing techniques, he has enhanced the farm's productivity and sustainability.

The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in its diverse initiatives. John uses drone technology for site mapping and monitoring, and conducts annual independent audits to track environmental progress. Sustainable practices include controlled bracken management using helicopters, restoring natural hydrology, and introducing renewable energy sources like heat pumps in new buildings.

Mungeon Farm also focuses on maintaining and enhancing biodiversity through practices such as grazing management, pond restoration, and wood pasture creation. These efforts contribute to the farm’s negative carbon footprint, demonstrating John’s dedication to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-quality, nutrient-dense beef production.

John’s innovative approach to grassland management not only supports the farm’s ecological goals but also positions it as a model of efficiency and sustainability in modern agriculture. His work exemplifies how advanced grassland management can lead to both environmental and economic success.

Taking place on October 17 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: https://www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/britishfarmingawards/en/page/table-packages