Topling Ltd co-founder and Director John Seed, who runs family farming business Woodend Farming Partnership in the Scottish Borders with his wife Louise and son Donald was been named the Green Energy Farmer of the Year at the prestigious Farmers Weekly Awards last week.

The award, which was presented at a gala event at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane last Thursday night, recognises not just John’s role in the development of the Topling Big Straw Boiler but also his holistic approach to renewables in his farming business, including biomass heating, solar panels and wind power.

John Seed said, “It is a real honour to win this award which recognises the hard work of everyone at Woodend Farm in integrating biomass heating and other forms of renewable energy into our farming business. Renewables have changed the nature of our farming business and the Topling Big Straw Boiler has proved its worth in its first full harvest season, significantly reducing our fuel costs and the farm’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

The judges were particularly impressed by John’s focus on using biomass to reduce the cost of grain drying on the farm, and plan to set up a local wood production group among members of Borders Machinery Ring, where John is a Director.

Independent Judge and Managing Director of the Farm Energy Centre, Andrew Kneeshaw, said: “John has shown remarkable initiative, using both engineering and financial skills to develop simple but effective biomass heating solutions for drying applications.”

Steve McLean, of award sponsors Marks & Spencer, commented, “Marks & Spencer has been impressed with the quality and quantity of entries. All three finalists show how renewable energy and food production go hand in hand to create a sustainable future for UK agriculture.”