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 Sustainable Farmer of the Year finalists have all been selected because of their unparalleled devotion to safeguarding the land for future generations. These finalists are embracing sustainable farming practices which work in harmony with the environment. The judges noted the efforts each finalist has made to proactively reduce their carbon footprint, whether that be through exploring regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, soil health, water management, stockmanship, or renewable energy solutions.

Finalists – Sustainable Farmer of the Year (sponsored by NSF) 

Johnny Wake – Courteenhall Farms, Northampton

Courteenhall Farms, under the management of Johnny Wake, spans 570 acres and is a model of sustainable and diversified farming practices. The farm combines arable crops with innovative practices to strengthen environmental stewardship, community engagement, and financial stability. Johnny utilises key sustainable practices such as regenerative farming, circular agriculture, renewable energy, biodiversity and conservation, and community education.

The farm employs minimum tillage and precision farming on Hanslope clay soils to enhance soil health. Organic manures, notably poultry manure, replace artificial fertilisers and balance cost and yield efficiently. A closed-loop system utilises arable wheat for poultry feed and returns poultry manure to enrich the soil, reducing waste and external inputs while boosting soil fertility.

With 425 kW of solar panels, ground source heat pumps, and wind turbines, Courteenhall Farms significantly cuts carbon emissions and energy costs. The rainwater harvesting system conserves water, minimising mains supply dependence. The reintroduction of traditional Hereford cattle supports biodiversity through extensive grazing. The Higher Tier Stewardship scheme promotes wildlife habitats with new hedgerows, tree planting, and restored water bodies. Membership in the Pasture for Life Association and local conservation groups underscores the farm's commitment to wildlife. The farm also engages with the local community through educational programs, events, and plans for a farm shop and café to market local produce and support local businesses.

Johnny Wake, who transitioned from a medical career to farming, has gained recognition for Courteenhall Farms' innovative practices, speaking at events like Groundswell and Farmers Weekly Transitions Event. The farm is in the second year of a ten-year Higher Tier agreement with Natural England and was honoured with the Bledisloe Gold Medal from RASE in 2023 for contributions to farming, the environment, and profit. Johnny also chairs the Central England region of the Environmental Farmers Group, a cooperative focused on ecological research and natural capital goods.

Courteenhall Farms demonstrates how sustainable practices can complement environmental, financial, and community goals, setting a benchmark for modern agriculture.

James Robinson – Strickley Farm, Cumbria  

Strickley Farm has been home to the Robinson family for six generations and 149 years. For the past 20 years the farm has been fully organic, maintaining a closed herd of 130 Dairy Shorthorns and 130 followers. James Robinson, alongside his father Henry and son Robert, operates the farm with a dedication to producing milk in a commercially viable way while actively managing and creating wildlife habitats.

The farm benefits from reduced veterinary costs and a significant reduction in bought-in electricity bills, which have decreased by 50%. Fuel efficiency improvements, especially with a new forage wagon, have also halved diesel costs during silage time. Grazing management has improved through innovative water solutions, and the farm has focused on increasing shade and shelter with new woodlands and hedgerow management.

The Robinsons prioritise sustainable practices, including a reduction in insecticide use, and have successfully attached a compelling story to their farm, allowing them to attract a premium for their milk. Hosting educational visits and group tours has become an additional income stream, managed by James's wife, Michelle.

James expects challenges in the future to include climate change, with more extreme weather events impacting cow health and grass growth, and the fluctuation of commodity prices and government support. Future plans focus on expanding educational programmes, joining with local farmers for catchment-scale habitat creation, and potentially processing their milk on-site to create the "Nature Friendly Dairy" brand.

The farm has implemented numerous conservation measures, such as solar water pumps, rainwater collection, reduced antibiotic use, and the creation of new habitats like ponds, wetlands, and hay meadows. These efforts contribute to biodiversity and demonstrate how dairy farming can coexist with nature, offering a model for sustainable agriculture. Commenting on being a finalist at the awards, James said, "It's great to be shortlisted, it's recognition for the work we do at Strickley from our peers within the farming industry".

David Oates – Rosuick Farm, Cornwall

Rosuick Farm, managed by David Oates in partnership with his father Chris, is an eighth-generation mixed organic farm located on the Lizard Peninsula. Spanning 500 hectares, the farm is centred around a herd of Pedigree Welsh Black cattle and Clun Forest sheep, which play a crucial role in managing and creating natural habitats such as lowland heathland and species-rich grasslands. The farm has also integrated heritage grains and alternative crops, increasing food production while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable land management practices.

David's approach emphasises the protection and enhancement of the farm's natural resources. This includes large-scale woodland pasture and silvo-arable tree planting, which contributes to carbon sequestration and biodiversity. The farm's organic practices focus on maintaining soil health, including on-farm composting and developing liquid seaweed fertilisers in collaboration with a local company. These practices reduce the need for artificial inputs and improve long-term productivity.

Rosuick Farm also minimises its environmental footprint by reducing fossil fuel use, it has done this by changing machinery and tillage practices, opting for baled hay instead of silage wrapped in plastic. Similarly, David has installed solar-powered boreholes to provide water across multiple sites, and solar panels to generate electricity, contributing to the farm's energy self-sufficiency. David is also experimenting with plastic-free alternatives for baling twine, moving toward a completely plastic-free operation.

Diversification is key to the farm's success, with additional income streams from weddings, events, educational visits, and consultancy services. These activities not only support financial stability but also promote environmentally friendly practices.

David is committed to balancing environmental stewardship with economic viability. He is involved in collaborative projects with other farmers and businesses, exploring private finance models to support environmental enhancements. Looking ahead, David aims to ensure that Rosuick Farm remains profitable, sustainable, and a place where future generations can thrive, demonstrating how farming can evolve to meet future challenges while preserving the environment.

John Blackett – Mungeon Farm, Cumbria  

Mungeon Farm, managed by John Blackett and his wife Kath, is a 200-hectare lowland fell beef farm dedicated to sustainability, regenerative farming, and environmental stewardship. The farm, home to a herd of native Belted Galloway cattle, focuses on restoring priority habitats and operates with a negative (42 kilos negative per year) carbon footprint. The farm integrates regenerative practices, extensive grazing, and habitat restoration into its operations, supported by a Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship Agreement.

Sustainability efforts at Mungeon Farm cover a broad spectrum. Architect-designed, well-insulated buildings minimise energy use, and renewable energy sources like heat pumps and solar power further reduce the farm's carbon footprint. The farm maintains a lake as a natural habitat and operates it as a fishery in partnership with WADAA, promoting sustainable eating and recreational activities. Historic features, such as dry stone sheep folds and field boundaries are preserved and former wood pasture sites have been restored to create important habitats for native wildlife.

Having previously farmed a 300-acre intensive arable farm with huge focus on the commercial success and high yields, John looked to transform the way he farmed and create a diverse ecologically balanced landscape. The initial bracken-covered land has been developed into a thriving ecosystem, supporting a range of biodiversity initiatives. The farm also conducts research on nutrient grazing trials to produce nutrient-dense meat, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable food sources.

Diversification is key to the farm's continuity. Mungeon Farm provides various activities, including educational programmes on regenerative farming, opening a fishery, and collaborating on environmental projects with local stakeholders including Natural England, Forestry Commission, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Butterfly Conservation. These initiatives not only generate income but also enhance the farm's environmental mission and support the local community. John believes that "going forward any funding will be a competitive application and being recognised by an award should give us a better chance of being accepted". This holistic approach ensures that Mungeon Farm remains sustainable, adaptive, and forward-thinking for future generations.

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