Soil Farmer of the Year
Soil underpins the entire farming system. A healthy well-managed soil rich in organic matter will support productive and healthy crops and pasture, which in turn supports a profitable and resilient farming system.
Since 2015, our Soil Farmer of the Year Competition has helped to find, promote and champion UK farmers who are passionate about safeguarding their soils and building resilient businesses. As part of the competition, the top three farmers host farm walks that bring farmers together to share good practice and innovations that improve soil health.
The competition has become widely recognised by organisations working in soil health, with many promoting it to their networks to increase participation.
2024 Soil Farmer of the Year
The application period for the 2024 Soil Farmer of the Year competition has now ended, we are currently in the process of judging this year’s entries. The winners will be announced at Groundswell Regenerative Agriculture Festival in June 2024!
The 2024 Soil Farmer of the Year competition opens for applications on the 5th of December 2024 which is World Soil’s Day. The application window for the 2024 competition will close on the 5th of March, with subsequent judging taking place thereafter.
If you would like to nominate a farmer who you think would be a brilliant Soil Farmer of the Year, or would like any further information, please contact Emma Adams emma.adams@farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk
2023 Soil Farmer of the Year
The 2023 Soil Farmer of the Year winners were announced at Groundswell 2023, a huge congratulations to them all.
- 1st Place – Stuart Johnson, West Wharmley Farm, Hexham (pictured above, right). Book on his farm walk here.
- 2nd Place – Richard Anthony, R&L Anthony Ltd, Bridgend (pictured above, centre). Book on his farm walk here.
- 3rd Place – Bronagh O’Kane, Drumard Farm, Cookstown (pictured above, left). Book on her farm walk here.
Further details on the finalists and highly commended can be found here.
2022 Soil Farmer of the Year
The winners were announced at Groundswell 2022! Read about it here.
Details about farm walks at each of the winner’s farms can be found here:
2021 Soil Farmer of the Year
Read about the winners of our 2021 competition here and write-ups from the farm walks here:
2020 Soil Farmer of the Year
Resources from our 2020 competition:
2019 Soil Farmer of the Year
Resources from our 2019 competition:
2018 Soil Farmer of the Year
Resources from our 2018 competition:
