NFU members among top winners at British Farming Awards 2026

Many NFU members from across the country were among the winners at the British Farming Awards 2026, recognised for excellence, innovation and leadership in British agriculture.

For 14 years, the British Farming Awards, hosted by the Farmers Guardian, has been shining a light on the best in British farming and this year saw a record number of award entries.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Here are some of the NFU members recognised at the British Farming Awards 2026:

Newly-appointed NFU Livestock Board Chair Clare Wise has been named Agriculture’s Woman of the Year, recognising her outstanding contribution to farming and British agriculture.

A fifth-generation farmer from County Durham, Clare farms near Stockton-on-Tees and is also NFU North Riding and Durham County chair. Judges praised her leadership within the NFU, transformation of her family farming business, and commitment to championing British agriculture and women in farming.

They also highlighted her advocacy on key issues affecting farmers, including inheritance tax, and her work inspiring the next generation through education and outreach programmes.

Sarah Bevan and Paul Williams' Wallhope Farm in Gloucestershire has won the Dairy Farrmers of the Year award, sponsored by Asterra, recognising the resilient and sustainable dairy business they have built.

Farming 90ha with a 200-cow grass-fed herd, the couple have combined successful milk production with diversification through on-farm café and gelato business, Moo HQ, and holiday accommodation, The Nook.

Judges praised their commitment to sustainability, biodiversity and diversification while keeping dairy farming at the heart of the business.

Cambridgeshire’s Glebe Farm Foods has won the Large Diversification of the Year award, sponsored by Farm Business Innovation, in recognition of its transformation from a family farm into a successful oat-to-food business.

Founded by siblings Philip and Rebecca Rayner, the business has grown from producing gluten-free oats to supplying a range of oat-based products to customers in the UK and overseas.

Judges praised its innovative approach to diversification and sustainability, highlighting how it has added value to British-grown crops while strengthening the farm’s long-term resilience.

Find out more about Glebe Farm's business and sustainable credentials: Farming in the East – NFUonline

Mollie Farney has won the Farm Worker of the Year award, recognising her contribution to Manor Farm in Gloucestershire, where she plays a key role managing a 250-strong commercial sheep flock across 132 hectares.

Since joining the business in late 2024, Mollie has helped drive improvements in flock health, lamb survival rates and farm performance, while taking responsibility for sheep management, grassland and crop rotations.

Judges praised her focus on profitability, commitment to professional development and proactive approach to improving both farm facilities and business performance.

Hampshire-based Rodrigo Navarro has won the New Entrant to Agriculture award for building a successful organic egg enterprise and demonstrating how collaboration can help new entrants overcome barriers to farming.

Together with his wife Kirsten, Rodrigo founded Wandering Feathers Ltd through the Pitch up! scheme with NFU member Kingsclere Estates, establishing a mobile organic egg business in North Wessex Downs.

Staffordshire farmer William Roobottom has won the Sheep Farmer of the Year award for transforming a small sheep enterprise into a progressive, low-input business focused on maximising grass production while controlling costs. 

Farming 200 hectares at NFU member Cowley Hill Farm, William runs 535 breeding ewes and hoggs, with rotational grazing and careful pasture management at the heart of the system. By adopting a fully grass-based approach and moving from indoor to outdoor lambing, he has improved performance while reducing costs.

Judges praised his forward-thinking approach, highlighting how he has built a resilient and efficient sheep business through data-led management and a focus on grassland productivity.

Lincolnshire-based J. H. Allis and Son has won the Beef Farmer of the Year award for building a diverse and resilient farming business, centred on a 2,500-head Angus dairy-cross beef unit.

Run by Gary Allis and his son Charles, the 320-hectare enterprise supplies Sainsbury's through the Gamechanger scheme, with a strong focus on efficiency, performance and sustainability.

Judges praised Gary's resilience, positive attitude and detailed performance analysis.

Fourth-generation farmer Jo Hilditch has won the Outstanding Contribution to British Agriculture award, recognising her outstanding leadership in transforming Whittern Farms into a diverse and resilient rural business.

Beyond the farm, Joanna has held a number of industry leadership roles, including serving on the NFU Poultry Board, chairing the Blackcurrant Foundation and Visit Herefordshire, and serving on the CLA.

Judges praised Jo's commitment to innovation, sustainability and diversification, alongside her resilience and leadership in securing the long-term future of the family business.

James Johnson, from Mallard Grange Farm in North Yorkshire, has won the Regenerative Farmer of the Year award, sponsored by the Ethical Butcher, for an innovative regenerative farming approach.

Farming 300 hectares, the family-run business has adopted practices including adaptive multi-paddock grazing, herbal leys and reduced tillage, helping to improve soil health, cut input costs and build resilience to extreme weather.

Judges praised the farm's commitment to regenerative agriculture, highlighting its ability to combine environmental benefit with a profitable and diversified business.

St. Ewe Free Range Eggs has won Employer of the Year award, sponsored by Myerscough College, for creating an exceptional workplace culture while achieving significant business growth.

Employing 152 people across its farms and Egg HQ, the family-run business has invested heavily in employee engagement, wellbeing and talent development.

Judges praised its progressive approach and measurable success, all while preserving its family values while growing rapidly.

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir has won the Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture award, sponsored by Myton Food Group, in recognition of its work promoting British farming and raising awareness of mental health across the industry.

The group of farmers, many of them NFU members, shot to fame on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, receiving the Golden Buzzer at their audition, winning their semi-final and ultimately being crowned champions in May, securing a place at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.

Judges praised the choir's role in championing British agriculture, bringing farming communities together and encouraging conversations around mental wellbeing and support.

Cambridgeshire farmer Russ McKenzie has won the Arable Farmer of the Year award, sponsored by Ribena, for successfully combining regenerative farming practices with high-performing crop production at Howson's Lodge.

Farming 140 hectares of heavy clay land, Russ grows wheat, oilseed rape, beans and oats, using cover crops and direct drilling to improve soil health, nutrient efficiency and farm resilience.

Judges praised his evidence-led approach to farming, highlighting his commitment to sustainability, innovative crop trials and ability to deliver strong yields while reducing inputs.

Photographs: Farmers Guardian/Agriconnect