North Riding and Durham County Chair named Agriculture's Woman of the Year
John Culshaw, Clare Wise and Ali Capper at the British Farming Awards. Photograph: Farmers Guardian/Agriconnect
A County Durham farmer and entrepreneur has been honoured with a prestigious industry accolade recognising her outstanding contributions to farming.
Fifth-generation farmer Clare Wise, who draws on a 14-generation family farming legacy, won at the British Farming Awards 2026 for combining business innovation with passionate advocacy for agriculture.
Clare is the NFU North Riding and Durham County chair and was named Agriculture's Woman of the Year at the awards, which celebrate the resilience, innovation and achievements of the UK agricultural industry.
“The atmosphere was electric and filled with pride, support and positivity. I left feeling inspired and motivated by the amazing stories, leadership and sense of community shared throughout the evening.”
NFU National Livestock Board Chair Clare Wise
An empowering evening
Farming near Stockton-on-Tees, she is also NFU National Livestock Board Chair and said she was delighted to receive the award, which recognised her work transforming her family farming business, her advocacy through the NFU, and her efforts to promote British agriculture and support women in farming.
“It was such an honour to take home the Woman of the Year award,” Clare said.
“It was an empowering evening celebrating the passion, resilience and achievements of the remarkable people shaping the future of farming.
“The atmosphere was electric and filled with pride, support and positivity. I left feeling inspired and motivated by the amazing stories, leadership and sense of community shared throughout the evening.
“Congratulations to everyone who is championing British food and farming.”
The judges said that after facing barriers entering the industry as a young woman, she transformed the family farm, replacing its pedigree Texel flock with 500 commercial sheep, introducing TMR (Total Mixed Ration) feeding and bringing more operations in-house.
Today, the business is a progressive mixed beef, sheep and arable farm, with a strong focus on grassland, animal health and welfare.
Clare's achievements have previously been recognised with the Sheep Farmer of the Year accolade.
The judges added that as a prominent NFU advocate, campaigning for practical agricultural policy and challenging government on issues including inheritance tax.
She addressed 40,000 farmers at Whitehall, while championing women in agriculture, farmer wellbeing and greater industry representation.
Through school visits and the NFU Education programme, as well as agricultural events across the country, Clare continues to inspire the next generation of farmers. Her resilience, empathy and leadership are helping to shape a stronger future for British farming.
The British Farming Awards ceremony, now in their 14th year, was held at the Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham and recognises excellence across the agricultural industry in areas including food production, sustainability, animal welfare and business leadership.
