TWO CUMBRIAN farmers captured winning accolades at this year's British Farming Awards. held at the VOX Birmingham.
The Ladds Family from Benson Hall Farm, Kendal took home the Family Farming Business of the Year title. The family run a mixed farm with 200 Holstein cows, averaging 36-38 litres of milk per day through twice-daily milking.
Alongside dairy, they manage 800 Texel cross and North of England Mule ewes, as well as 35 pedigree Texel ewes for breeding shearling tups.
Their farm contracting services cover forage harvesting, round baling, slurry work, and GPS-controlled fertiliser spreading.
They also operate a 45-site static caravan park established post-foot-and-mouth disease, diversifying their income streams. Additionally, they partner with Kendal College, hosting practical classes and providing valuable hands-on experience for students.
Judges were impressed by their practical approach to cost management, healthy risk taking and honest, passionate and down-to-earth nature.
Upon winning the award the family commented, “The background to most farms is a family, and my family was raised along with the farm, and now the next generation has families of their own and are doing the same.”
Capturing the Sheep Farmer of the Year title was Oliver Harrison of Aimshaugh, Leadgate, near Alston where he manages an upland sheep unit comprising 600 North Country Hill Cheviots and 600 Cheviot crosses, utilising a mob grazing system to enhance productivity and promote biodiversity across 850 hectares.
Oliver and his family have adapted their farming practices to suit the unique conditions of their land, focusing on sustainability.
Transitioning to a paddock grazing system has allowed Oliver to improve grass quality while encouraging wildlife to flourish on the farm. This method not only benefits the sheep but also contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem.
As they tackle labour shortages, the Harrison family is actively seeking new team members to help support their growing operation.
Judges commented that Oliver, “demonstrated a progressive and forward thinking approach and has made changes which have improved productivity and profitability”.
Commenting on winning and the awards, Oliver said, “it means the world that we’ve been noticed for what we do, I live for it, ever since I was tiny this is what I have wanted to do. It’s a massive family effort.”
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