Livestock farmer Hugh Richards is the regional winner of the Meurig Raymond Award 2026, named after the NFU’s former president.
Hugh, vice-chair of the NFU’s regional livestock board, has supported members through livestock disease outbreaks, acted as an industry spokesman on tv and radio and provided a ‘listening ear’ to farmers going through difficult times.
As well as his work with the NFU, Hugh has volunteered for FCN (the Farming Community Network) since 2018.
As a volunteer for FCN, he has attended regional shows, NFU events, health and safety meetings, plough matches and agricultural days.
He has an information stand for farmers at Ashford Market and is there for them to have a cup of tea and a chat with him. He has also taken calls at all hours from farmers and their family members, so desperate they are at their wits end.
Hugh with NFU Kent Council Representative Alan Clifton-Holt, Regional Director Zoe Leach and County Chair Steven Glover
Making a difference
Hugh, who farms at Biddenden near Ashford, received the award at the NFU’s annual conference in Birmingham.
He said: “I’m chuffed to bits to win this award. I’ve always just tried to help people, I’ve never wanted to be the centre of attention, but it’s nice to feel appreciated and to know that I am making a difference.
“I have been through some tough times in my own life in the past.
“I feel I can use my own life experiences to help other people and so I feel a duty to do that.”
Hugh signposts people to professional support services and said he admired the bravery of anyone who seeks help for mental health issues. He has also encouraged dozens of farmers to undergo health checks.
"The epitome of an unsung hero"
NFU East Regional Director Zoe Leach said: "Hugh is a truly worthy winner of this award as he is the epitome of an unsung hero. He is a constant presence for those in need, never seeking any recognition or compensation for the personal time he gives in helping others.
"He regularly says he just does what he does under the radar, so it is absolutely right that we recognise him in this way."
NFU Kent County Adviser Amanda Corp, who nominated Hugh, said: “Hugh is always available on the phone for advice and support.
“He helped to organise essential bluetongue meetings when there was an outbreak in Kent, as well as offering mental health support for members who were experiencing financial difficulties and problems with livestock movement and controls during this time.
“He has acted as an industry spokesman on bluetongue and other issues on TV and radio, calmly highlighting the impact that disease outbreaks have had.
“Hugh really is a huge support to the NFU, FCN and the farming community as a whole and a deserving winner of this award."