The finalists have been selected for the 2025 Young British Farming Awards, a group of impressive young farmers who are making remarkable contributions to the industry. Sponsored by Massey Feeds, Harpers Feeds and Lantra, supported by Brooksby College, these awards are dedicated to celebrating the next generation of agricultural trailblazers and inspiring the continued growth and development of the British farming industry for generations to come.

In addition to four returning awards, there are four new awards for 2025. Eight winners will be carefully chosen by our esteemed panel of industry professionals across the following categories: Young Farm Worker, Young Handler Junior, Young Handler Senior, Young Farming Hero, Young Farmers Club, Young Farmers Club Community Hero, Young Farmers Club Leader and The Kaleb Cooper New Entrant of the Year.

The 2025 awards ceremony will take place at Cannon Hall Farm, home of the 2023 British Farming Awards Content Creator of the Year. The event will be hosted by prominent Farmer and Content Creator, Tom Pemberton.

Introducing the 2025 Young British Farming Awards Finalists:

Young Farm Worker of the Year

Ashleigh Campbell, Sutherland 

Since a young age Ashleigh has shown a keen interest in farming, working on her family's croft and local farms to develop her rural skills. Now 17 years old, she has an apprenticeship at a farm in Durness with her two dogs and has recently begun learning how to shear sheep. Ashleigh's passion and determination does not go unnoticed, and her keenness to learn is a great sign of what's to come. 

Brodie Insch, Aberdeenshire 

Brodie, a 10 year old shepherd with a knack for sheep welfare and behavioural awareness was born to work with livestock. Despite his age, he takes the initiative on farm to check the ewes, monitor their wellbeing to predict when they will lamb, and gets up in the night to check on them, often assisting the ewe when lambing if needed. Brodie's dedication to his flock means he is a true asset to his family farm, even at such a young age.  

Lilly Lancaster, Cumbria 

Lilly has been working hard to get as much hands-on experience as possible at multiple farms, in addition to the family native beef farm. At 15 years old, Lilly is rather busy at school, but that hasn't stopped her volunteering during lambing time at three local farms, and working on a large dairy farm to learn tips and tricks from other farmers. Her thirst for knowledge has now extended to sheepdog work, and hopes to have her own in the future. 

Young Handler of the Year (Junior)

Jack Darke, Devon 

At just 7 years old, Jack is our youngest finalist for this year's Young BFAs. He's had great success in the last two years showing sheep and cattle, competing in county shows and showing rams at auction to a high standard. Jack's recent ring success includes Champion Junior Handler at Royal Cornwall, and Reserve Champion overall junior handler – an example of his successful halter training and preparation for shows. 

Edie King, Lancashire 

A young shepherdess in the making, Edie is passionate about the welfare of her sheep from lambing to day-to-day care, halter training and showing. At only 8 years old, Edie is introducing her own new breeds to the farm every year, including rare Derbyshire Gritstones. She is keen to learn from the show judges and other handlers around her to improve her skills and get the best from her flock, winning many championships over the last few years.  

Kane Ogden, Cumbria 

Kane has been showing dairy cattle since he was 7 (now 9 years old), recently winning the Autumn Calf Class with Orallie at the March Expo. He is hands on with the day-to-day care of his animals and their preparation for the show ring, including halter training and clipping. Kane received several nominations from friends, family members and professionals he has met along the way. 

Young Handler of the Year (Senior)

Isla Arrell, Shropshire 

At 15 years old, Isla is working hard towards her GCSEs, but that won't stop her caring for and training her Holstein and Jersey cows, as well as helping to train younger farmers in her local Holstein Club. In the last few years, Isla has won several awards for her handling and had success winning Champion Calf with Barbie, both qualifying for the All Britain where Isla came 5^th in handling and Barbie 2^nd in her class. 

Elliw Grug Davies, Ceredigion 

Crowned Junior Young Handler of the Year in 2024, Elliw is back to compete in the Senior category now that she's 11 years old. Over the past year, she has acquired numerous awards for handling and her cattle including Winner of the Intermediate Beef Championship, Young Handler Champion and Overall Cattle Handling Champion at the Royal Devon County Show this year. Elliw's skills have inspired fellow cattle owners to ask her to show for them in the ring, but her school commitments and livestock come first. 

Alfie Holding, North Yorkshire 

Alfie is very hands-on with his livestock, from birth to butchering. His passion for pigs has led him to be a junior reporter for the Junior Pig Club at 14 years old, writing show reports and actively participating in fundraising efforts for the club. Alfie's recent success in the ring includes Champion Modern Pairs and Overall Champion Pairs at Newark, plus winning his age category in Malvern at the Young Handler Championship. 

Farmers Guardian Young Farming Hero

Holly White, South Yorkshire 

At 12 years old Holly is already showing great promise as a farmer on the family farm, stepping up to help her dad when her grandad fell ill. Already a pro at lambing, Holly is an essential part of the team, whilst also keeping up with school and being active in her YFC to build her farming knowledge. 

Jacob Barton, Lancashire 

For nearly two years, 9 year old Jacob, has championed British agriculture on social media, tirelessly raising awareness for mental health in farming and fundraising for the Farming Community Network. He also uses his platform to sell the family beef and lamb, in addition to sharing his thoughts on the future of agriculture, food miles and sustainability. 

Sam Hale, Hertfordshire 

A 14 years old farmer with a passion for promoting farming to the public at shows, in school and on social media. In addition to being responsible for his own flock, he is an active participant in the family farm and Butchery diversification. After asking their MP some tough questions at the NFU MP meet up, Sam invited them to visit the farm and discussed IHT, SFI, fly tipping and more. 

Young Farmers Club of the Year

Raughton Head YFC, Cumbria 

Last summer, Raughton Head YFC organised "Many Miles for MND" motivated by Richard, a local farmer and parent to YFC members, following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease. Current members, past members, parents, friends, and Richard himself took part in the challenge and smashed their distance and fundraising goals, raising over £26.7k. 

Strathearn JAC, Perthshire 

"Not just for those who wear wellies" is Strathearn YFC's motto, championing agriculture to everyone in their local area. The club has raised over £5k this year for charity, whilst also successfully competing at District events, the Royal Highland Show, and they were recently named SAYFC National Club of the Year.  

Towcester YFC, Northamptonshire 

In the past year, Towcester TFC have raised over £6.5k for various causes, including RABI, Cynthia Spencer Hospice and Air Ambulance. Recently celebrating their 80^th anniversary, members of Towcester YFC are enthusiastic about fundraising and promoting the farming industry whilst also having fun. 

Young Farmers Club Community Hero

Katy Addyman, Harrogate District YFC 

As Treasurer at Harrogate District YFC, Katy leads on the Christmas Tree Collection campaign and the Knaresborough Tractor run. Last year, she raised money for the club plus two local charities by collecting 950 trees to be recycled, preventing them from going into landfill. Katy now works to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, dubbed the farmers friend, further proving her commitment to her community. 

Harry Davies, Netherseal YFC 

A previous chair of Netherseal YFC, Harry continues to embody the spirit of Young Farmers and remains an active participant of the club, despite his farming commitments. Harry is described as being an exceptional leader and always willing to go the extra mile, promoting member involvement in public speaking and leading stock judging sessions. 

Joe Hilyer, Netherseal YFC 

This is the second award Joe has been shortlisted for in this year's Young BFAs. His club secretary highlighted the tireless work Joe does for his community, including litter picking and cleaning local churchyards to improve the club's surrounding area. Joe has also been heavily involved in the organisation of first aid training for his club, improving the safety and skills of his members. 

Young Farmers Club Leader

Joe Hilyer, Netherseal YFC 

Club Chairman Joe is committed to growing Netherseal YFC's member base by creating a welcoming inclusive environment. Now at 90 active members, Joe has led the club to complete the Three Peaks Challenge and raise funds for a local defibrillator. He was nominated by his club secretary, who highlighted his commitment and compassion for all involved. 

Mollie Sheath, Isle of Wight YFC 

Mollie is only 16 but an excellent advocate for the members of the Isle of Wight YFC. She is the youngest on the committee, but that doesn't stop her from suggesting creative and fun ideas to engage members in meetings. Nominated by a fellow committee member, Mollie is described as someone that is admired and looked up to by younger members. 

Sophia Tibbs, Spalding YFC 

As club secretary to Spalding YFC, Sophia is fully involved in all club activities, despite not working in the Agricultural industry herself. Her initiative and dedication to her club's members does not go unnoticed, and she is an excellent example of a Young Farmers' Club Leader. Nominated by a friend, she is described as a credit to the club and a true example of, "you don't have to be a farmer to be a young farmer". 

The Kaleb Cooper New Entrant of the Year

Jack Scott, Norfolk 

A 15 years old self-starter with big plans to have his own farming and butchering business after college, Jack is passionate about learning about all aspects of farming and is excited to start work experience at a Butchers this summer – whilst still looking after his pigs of course.

Joe Trofer-Cook, Lincolnshire 

Joe has independently bred his own flock of sheep over the last few years, and now also has cows and chickens to look after at just 13 years old. He grows hay for his animals, sells vegetables, and insists on covering vet bills himself, taking full responsibility for his animals and their welfare. 

Robert Craddock, Worcestershire 

From a young age Robert wanted to farm, starting with a couple of hens when his family moved house, which has now grown into a profitable egg business. He has also successfully raised and slaughtered his own pigs and lambs over the last few years, even being asked by an abattoir to rear pigs for them at just 12 years old.