Fourth-generation farmers Mat and Lloyd Smith have won the 2025 Farmers Guardian British Farming Awards' Sustainable Farm of the Year category.
The 198-hectare arable farm they manage near Ramsey, north-west Cambridgeshire, is home to several species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s UK Red List of birds needing urgent conservation action.
Increasing numbers of bees, insects and butterflies are also being recorded on the farm, which grows wheat, barley, millet, linseed and potatoes.
A window into British farming
Wildlife habitats have been enhanced through wildflower corners, bird seed mixes, and pollinator zones, alongside their Spadger Bird Seed business.
The farm is regularly open to the public for community initiatives, including a sunflower walk that raised £3,200 for the Sue Ryder hospice charity this year.
Mat Smith, NFU Cambridgeshire’s Council Representative, said: “We are delighted to win this award. We are proud of what we do and it is great to receive positive feedback from your peers.
“We see ourselves as a window into British farming, showing people the fantastic work taking place on farms all over the country.”
NFU Cambridgeshire Council Representative Mat Smith
“We have more than 1,500 visitors to the farm every year. We have had everyone from pre-school children to representatives from the House of Lords and the European Parliament on the farm.
“We see ourselves as a window into British farming, showing people the fantastic work taking place on farms all over the country.”
Environment schemes are vital
The brothers say much of their success has been achieved through working with the government-funded SFI and CS (Countryside Stewardship) schemes.
Mat said: “SFI and Countryside Stewardship are a big part of what we do here and that is the case for many farmers.
“The fact that we still don’t know what SFI will look like in the future is a big concern going forward.
“Famers and growers need the government to make the new SFI scheme available as soon as possible and to be open to all types of farmers. This will enable us to continue this work supporting wildlife and the environment.
“Farming is going through a very challenging time and, without that support, many farmers will have to focus all their efforts on ensuring their business survives. A lot of the environmental work will discontinue.”
The awards ceremony took place at The Vox, at Birmingham's NEC, and was attended by more than 800 farmers and industry professionals.
