For twelve years, the British Farming Awards has shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain’s farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.
The 2024 Family Farming Business of the Year finalists have been selected because they were able to clearly demonstrate a shared vision of where the business is going and who is responsible for the different areas core to the farm. At the heart of many farms lie the families behind them who, through generations, have developed the business to help secure its place in years to come. All our finalists are made up of multiple generations working collectively to overcome any short-and-long-term business challenges, developing new ideas and efficiencies, and demonstrating succession planning to help safeguard the family farm.
Finalists – Family Farming Business of the Year
The Fry Family - Harry’s Cider Company, Somerset
Established in 2012, Harry's Cider Company has evolved from a small cottage industry into a highly regarded Somerset cider brand. The Fry family manages their own orchards, where they press and ferment cider fruit, producing a range of award-winning craft ciders sold directly from the farm, at events, and through nationwide distribution. Alongside the cider business, they operate as Littlefield Farm Partnership, focusing on growing cider fruit, low-input cattle grazing, and implementing a small countryside stewardship scheme to enhance habitats for pollinators.
The family dynamic (all directors) includes Harry Fry as Managing Director, overseeing logistics and branding, while his son Toby manages production, events, and social media. Alison Chapman plays a pivotal role in the business, handling accounts, cider duty, pricing, sales, and promotional activities. Together, they are supported by a dedicated team of three responsible for sales, customer management, and production. The cider business began as a diversification from traditional agriculture, allowing the family to add value to the existing orchard planted by Harry's father in the 1970s, which had previously supplied another cidermaker.
Since launching, Harry's Cider has grown significantly, and when asked they said, “an accolade such as this provides us all with great encouragement”. Their customer base includes local pubs, restaurants, and national retailers, with online sales and international exports to countries like Finland and Japan. The family is about to embark on building a new cider shop and visitor centre, which will further enhance their operations and engage the community through tours and educational initiatives.
Facing challenges such as increased capacity and market volatility, the Fry family has adapted their strategies to maximise sales and minimise risks. They are committed to sustainability, sourcing local materials and implementing eco-friendly practices, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and their cider business.
Bennett Family – DH & C Bennett and Son, Somerset
The family manages a diverse dairy farming operation across 242 hectares, including their home farm and additional rented land. With three dairy herds totalling 850 cows, the family employs a grass-based system focusing on milk solids production, achieving a minimum of 50% milk from forage. The family's legacy is deeply rooted, with David and Catherine Bennett previously paving the way for their children John, Caroline, and Terri to take on strategic roles they have within the business today.
In April 2022, the Bennett family acquired a contract farming agreement, transitioning from a high-input, high-output system to a more sustainable model with autumn and spring calving herds. This shift has allowed for improved management of resources and enhanced profitability. The family has invested in innovative technologies, including a new parlour equipped with Auto ID, feed-to-yield systems, and Lely slurry collectors, streamlining operations, and boosting efficiency.
With a commitment to sustainability, the Bennetts are embracing Countryside Stewardship initiatives, increasing the use of herbal leys alongside clover for reduced nitrogen reliance. The family faces challenges such as labour shortages and fluctuating milk prices, yet they focus on cost-effective production and maintaining high-quality milk standards.
Regular communication and strategic planning among family members ensure a unified approach to management. As they look to the future, the Bennetts aim to expand their operations while prioritising animal welfare and environmental stewardship. The family’s dedication to dairy farming reflects their passion for agriculture and commitment to building a sustainable future for generations to come.
The Hughes Family – Clayden Farm Partners, Cheshire
Dennis and Rachel Hughes, along with their children Andrew Rutter and Emma Jones, run Clayden Farm, a dairy farm with a rich family history in Cheshire. Since purchasing the farm from relatives in 2002, they have established a trust to ensure future generations can continue the farming legacy. Their focus is on maximising herd size and improving milk production while managing a heavy clay landscape optimally suited for dairy farming.
With a milking herd of 450 and additional dairy followers, the Hughes family prioritises cattle genetics and the quality of their stock, working closely with local farmers for contract rearing of replacements. Dennis oversees daily operations, while Rachel manages bookkeeping and business correspondence, ensuring the smooth running of the farm. Andrew's expertise in dairy duties and machinery maintenance enhances productivity, while Emma focuses on HR and marketing initiatives.
The family has faced challenges, including financial pressures from fluctuating milk prices and the ongoing need for compliance with increasing regulations. However, they remain committed to improving business efficiency through collaboration and strategic planning. Sustainability is a key focus, with initiatives like tree planting and the establishment of wildlife areas enhancing their environmental impact.
As they navigate the complexities of modern dairy farming, the Hughes family values teamwork and communication to overcome obstacles. Their dedication to animal welfare, sustainable practices, and community engagement positions Clayden Farm as a leading example of a successful family-run agricultural business, ensuring a bright future for both the farm and the family.
The Stevens Family - JW Wellburn & Son (Horncastle Farm), West Yorkshire
Taking over Horncastle Farm in 2014, the Stevens family represents the fifth generation of farmers on the land, transitioning from a 200-acre arable farm to a mixed operation incorporating cows and sheep. Chad Stevens, the farm manager, oversees daily business activities, supported by his wife Lucy, who plays multiple roles as a livestock handler, combine driver, and event planner. Their two young sons, Herbie and Arnie, are also part of the family legacy, growing up immersed in farm life.
The Stevens family has embraced regenerative agriculture practices, introducing livestock to enhance soil health and reduce market volatility.
They have opened their farm to the public, allowing visitors to interact with animals through farm events, they create a hands-on experience that not only supports the cost of feed but also fosters community engagement. This innovative approach has proven vital to the farm’s financial stability, generating income on par with traditional crop sales.
Facing ongoing challenges such as rising costs and market fluctuations, the Stevens family remains committed to sustainable farming practices. They are actively pursuing funding for a café/event space to diversify income streams and offer local produce directly to consumers. Their dedication to environmental stewardship is evident in their efforts to plant over 10,000 hedge plants and engage in Countryside Stewardship schemes.
As they adapt and evolve in a fast-paced environment, the Stevens family prioritises resilience and community involvement. Their commitment to sustainable farming and innovative practices ensures that Horncastle Farm remains a thriving business while nurturing a love for agriculture with the next generation. When talking about their children joining the industry, they said this award would “inspire them to continue a career in farming”, it “highlights the work of small family run farms and their contribution - often in different ways to agriculture in the UK".
The Ladds Family – R & E Ladds, Cumbria
The Ladds Family, operating as R & E Ladds, runs a mixed farm with 200 Holstein cows, averaging 36-38 litres of milk per day through twice-daily milking. Their reproductive programme includes bulling with sexed semen and retaining all store cattle until 20-24 months. 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.
The family business is led by Andrew and Cath Ladds, with sons Chris and Richard and their wives Brooke and Beth, supported by three year-round part-time staff, expanding to ten during peak seasons. They focus on efficiency, using advanced technology like GPS and auto-steer systems on most tractors, and simplifying cow rations to maintain high yield without compromising quality.
As tenant farmers, the Ladds emphasise the importance of maximising productivity on every acre and maintaining a strong relationship with their landlords. They have reduced fertiliser use by 25% through improved slurry management and are planting unmanageable fields with the Forestry Creation Grant.
Looking ahead, the Ladds Family hope to expand their farm by an additional 150 hectares, increasing their sheep and cattle numbers, and continue to play a key role in training skilled agricultural workers through their partnership with Kendal College.
Taking place on October 17 at The VOX in Birmingham, the event will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.
Get your tickets here to celebrate with the finalists at The British Farming Awards: https://www.britishfarmingawards.co.uk/britishfarmingawards/en/page/table-packages