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, the 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 practices 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.
If you would like to get in touch about the competition, you can email us at: [email protected]
Latest News
3 July 2025 – Soil Farmer of the Year 2025 announced at Groundswell: Three farmers championing soil health and regenerative practices were recognised in the 2025 Soil Farmer of the Year competition, with the awards ceremony taking place at this year’s Groundswell event.
First place was awarded to John Joseph, who manages 100 hectares of sandy loam soils at Trecorras Farm in Herefordshire. Second place went to Jonathan Hodgson, who farms 285 hectares of clay soils at Great Newsome Farm in East Yorkshire. Third place was awarded to Andrew Mahon, who manages 800 hectares of Hanslope clay across Bedfordshire.
Read more about this year’s winners here.
Details on the farm walks will be announced via the Farm Carbon Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture websites, newsletters and social media channels in the coming weeks.
2024 Soil Farmer of the Year
The 2024 Soil Farmer of the Year winners were announced at Groundswell 2024, a huge congratulations to our winners, finalists and all our applicants!
- 1st Place – Tracy Russell and David Newman, Bucksum, Buckinghamshire (Pictured above, right). Watch the video about their farm here.
- 2nd Place – Ed Horton, SS Horton & Sons, Gloucestershire (Pictured above, middle).
- 3rd Place – Ben Richards, Middle Trelan Farm Ltd, Cornwall (Pictured above, left). Read more about Ben’s farm.
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:
