Mr Lampey from Lower Stockham Farm in Chilson, Somerset, farms 100 suckler cows, primarily Beef Shorthorn, along with his father Albert. He was nominated by his farm vet Eoghan McAlonan from FarmVets SouthWest, part of the VetPartners group, for his environmental achievements, improved fertility and significantly diminishing antimicrobial use.

"Matthew has a keen interest in working to improve the health and performance of the herd to build long-term sustainability and resilience. As part of this ethos, he has a monthly routine visit from us," says Mr McAlonan.

"We've worked really hard together to eradicate key endemic diseases while also focusing on how the farm's environmental stewardship work can benefit the livestock and overall sustainability of the business," adds Mr McAlonan who plays an integral role in the health and productivity of the herd together with Mr Lampey.

"Maintaining a BVD-free status is a key driver and has been achieved through rigorous tagging and testing of every calf.

"The farm's vaccination protocols, covering Leptospirosis and clostridial diseases help protect the herd against key infections.

"Strict quarantine and testing procedures are also used for purchased bulls before they join the herd to reduce risk of introducing infectious diseases," adds Mr McAlonan.

A key focus for the farm has been the development of breeding stock to reduce the cost of buying in, to improve business sustainability. As part of this the Lampeys keep home-bred replacement heifers and bulls, prioritising growth rates, temperament, and fertility, and work closely with their vet to help develop a robust, healthy herd.

"Through careful bull selection and using native breeds like Aberdeen Angus and Beef Shorthorn we've reduced calving difficulties, with only two cases of dystocia recorded in the past year," says Mr Lampey.

"Making stocking density improvements for youngstock, combined with the use of artificial ventilation, has also resulted in zero cases of pneumonia in 2023 and 2024 to date," he adds.

Regular weighing of youngstock ensures optimal weight gain for both finishing cattle and replacement heifers, with all beef calves being finished on the farm and consistently achieving premium grading at slaughter.  

A vet-led parasite management plan has reduced the need for therapeutic anthelmintics and flukicides, which is supported by rotational grazing with sheep to decrease the worm burden in cattle.

Mr Lampey comments: "To have a sustainable future, it has been important for us to review every part of our farming business.

"The collaborative efforts with our vets and team have helped improve productivity and welfare of the herd.

"These improvements, together with roof top solar, undertaking carbon footprint monitoring and plans to maximise soil health plans, mean we are working towards a healthy and more sustainable future for the farm!" he adds.

The runner up farm in the award category was John Vickers at Binleys Bridge Farm in Smeeton Westerby, Leicestershire nominated by farm vet, Jessica Swiestowska from Cross Counties Farm Vets.

Now in their third year, the VetPartner's Sustainable Beef Farmer of the Year Award encourages vets to celebrate farm clients who are committed to improving business efficiency, environmental sustainability, enhancing livestock productivity or fostering community relationships as part of their beef production systems.

VetPartners head of environment, social and governance Hannah James explains why this recognition is important for farmers.

"As consumer demand for environmentally responsible products grows, it is really important to recognise and celebrate the efforts of farmers to reduce the impact of livestock production on the environment whilst maintaining a sustainable business model."