Sponsored by: Arla Foods

Winner Adam & Jo Sills, Sills Farming Ltd, Ash Tree Farm

Praised by the judges for their steps to maximise their milk price by improving milk solids whilst continuing to improve herd efficiency. The Sills family have

clearly made a profitable and sustainable business through their proactive animal welfare strategies, with regular participation in trials and discussion groups. ”This farm had the facts and figures to back up the nomination, using that data to effectively inform their decisionmaking,” judges commented.

Highly Commended Sandy Law, Marshall & Law Partners

A fully closed, high performing herd since 1949 with unbroken lineage. The focus on tailored management and animal welfare has resulted in good performance and longevity of cows, commented judges. Proactive bio-security and high animal welfare was noted. Judges said the farmer “Does what’s right for his system, not the industry norm and is achieving the results required to make this a high-performing dairy business for generations to come.”

Sponsored by: Kite Consulting

Winner Isabelle Deacon, Boyes Farm

Isabelle impressed judges with herthorough knowledge of all aspects of the farm and her commitment to developing strategies for the long term. The farm showed good technical performance and feed efficiency scores from their herd of 430 cows, having implemented a significant system change in recent years to improve cow longevity, reduce number of cull cows, lower replacement rates, and reduce labour. Isabelle demonstrates very impressive ambitions, and works hard to achieve the farm’s goals for the future.

Highly Commended Alice Sault, Harper Adams Future Farm

Demonstrating excellent technical performance figures and working hard to use that data to inform decisions. Alice and her team manage a high performance herd of over 400 milkers through a 40 point rotary parlour, three times a day. Alice has proactively looked to develop her own skill set to become an effective leader of this dairy farm, seeing it through significant and positive change for the future. It’s not easy managing an educational farm and so judges were impressive what has been achieved for both now and the future.

Sponsored by: KW Feeds

Winner Steve Cope, Cope Farming, Bawhill Farm

Cope Farming impressed judges with their exceptional fertility, achieving results in the top quartile for Fast Track herds across many parameters. Excellent adoption of technologies and use of data to benchmark, “it is great to see a farm utilising their data so well,” commented judges. Strong focus on cow welfare and cow comfort was noted. But what really made this herd stand out to the panel was that they are achieving these results with such a large herd (961 cows in milk) which takes a lot of attention to detail, and shows a drive towards efficiency across the whole business.

Highly Commended Andrew Paterson, Woodend Farm

Excellent use of data from two robotic milkers with this 160 cow herd, to inform decisions and to set targets and, said judges, they could see improvements across many areas over the last 12 months already. Fantastic use of homegrown feeds. 3.18kg milk solids is exceptional. Good pregnancy rate at 29% and calving interval at 384 days. “The overall focus on cow health, comfort and fertility is great to see.”

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Sponsored by: Wynnstay

Winner Meldrum Farm

Following a structured, data-driven herd health system underpinned by regular veterinary review, nutrition monitoring, and continuous KPI benchmarking – the overarching focus here is to maintain consistent cow vitality across all production groups through prevention, early detection, and rapid intervention. The herd is achieving around 13,000 litres per cow, so attention to lameness control is key: foot bathing, hoof trimming, dry cows and youngstock managed separately, udder health strategies and transition cow health protocols in place. The emphasis is on measurable outcomes, continuous improvement, and early intervention.

Highly Commended Matt Kingston, Kingston & Sons, Tresham Farm

A high performing herd who have invested in technologies to aid performance and with a fertility rate of 28% and an age of first calving at 24 months coupled with average litres of milk from forage at 4,900 litres, this is a high performing herd and a stand out business.

Sponsored by: Vilofoss

Winner of the Anthony Wills Memorial Cup

Winner Joe Wannop, Wannops Farms Ltd

Each investment is building on what has been done before over decades of improvements, identifying the next weakest link in the chain, seeking to improve that link so it addresses an identified need, and ensuring that the benefit cascades throughout the business. Clearly this is an excellent farm focused on creating a high-quality output and investing in the improvements of the highest standards to position the business for the future. A good team approach with attention to even the smallest detail both from the on-farm team and with stakeholders with an aim that each animal should be as good as it can be, commented judges.

Highly Commended Andrew Leggott, GW Leggott, White House Farm

A success built on collaboration, trust and shared responsibility. Measurable results, including reducing herd Days in Milk from 190 to 150, improving robot efficiency, advancing genetic progress, improving calf health and driving feed efficiency through close monitoring of data and forage performance. The business has developed significantly in recent years through a combination of investment, data-driven management and empowering individuals within the team to take ownership of their specialist areas.

Sponsored by: Trouw Nutrition

Winner Isabelle Deacon, Boyes Farm

Boyes Farm demonstrates a well-rounded and practical approach to sustainability. Farm Manager Isabelle has shown outstanding leadership in driving improvements in cow longevity, health, nutrient management, renewable energy use and biodiversity. Combined with her passion for the dairy industry and commitment to future generations. Boyes Farm is a highly worthy winner.

Highly Commended Andrew & Claire Brewer, Ennis Barton

Andrew and Claire have combined technological solutions to improve animal health with maximisation of milk from forage to increase the resilience of their dairy farming business in Cornwall. “Technology has helped us build a more resilient system. This is critical to having informed conversations about future farming practices, as numbers provide the data to change minds,” concludes Andrew.

Highly Commended ES Burroughs & Son, Wheatacre Hall

A dairy business based at the most easterly point of the UK is going from strength to strength by increasing herd size, introducing milk processing, a farm shop, a newly opened café and above all investing in people. “We’re custodians of the countryside,” says Lindsay. “We take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and do the best we can, developing best farming practices and conservation successes and getting support with agri-environment schemes where we can.”

Sponsored by: MSD Animal Health

Winner Sian Evans, SB Farms Ltd, Brynhyfryd

Part of a large farm covering three units, but it is clear that farm staff (and supporting farm stakeholders) communicate well to ensure results are consistent across the units. Excellent demonstration of alignment under unified protocols for colostrum management, vaccination, hygiene, biosecurity, feeding and environmental monitoring/management. Clearly an impressive farm with low disease incidence and calf mortality. Good connectivity between youngstock management and future productivity, whilst the number of supporters of this application also impressed the judges.

Highly Commended Leah Griffiths, Bar Hill Farm

Judges were impressed with Leah’s management protocols and over all enthusiasm for her role. A smaller unit, and one with less support than many, Bar Hill Farm demonstrates a proactive approach in the nomination detail, particularly when showing past health status vs. current herd health status. Implementing evidence-based health strategies directly demonstrates the ‘impact of actions’, and positive outcomes for the herd. Changes implemented were well grounded, practical to apply to the farm and to easy to communicate with team.

Sponsored by: VOLAC MILK REPLACERS (Feed for Growth)

Winner Jonathan & Robert Evans, Penlan Argoed

Judges were most impressed with the continued improvement in the health of this herd and outstanding, highly progressive management from brothers Jonathan and Robert. Their nomination from their vet shows that health and welfare really do come first with this team. Both continually seek to improve their knowledge and technical skills to the benefit of their herd. Genomic testing and using the data to improve breeding for their herd, their disease management strategies, reducing antibiotic use by 50% on one unit and 75% on the other shows how prevention rather than treatment pays dividends for this healthy herd.

Highly Commended Will & John Holliday, Clifton Hall Farm

The father and son team have overseen big improvements on this farm, installing robotic milkers and software which has identified key areas to improve. Impressive pregnancy rates of 39%, well above the industry average, is a clear marker of the health of this herd. Their whole application shows they take welfare seriously and constantly look for ways to improve, testing new products, adjusting diets, behaviour monitoring, a highly progressive team operation.

Sponsored by: Techna

in association with Advanced Ruminant Nutrition

Winner Nick Eccles, WA & M Eccles & Son, Sudells Farm

Nick has a genuine passion for robotics and embraces technology wherever it delivers a competitive advantage. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with the dedication of his family team, has helped drive impressive productivity from their 220-cow Holstein herd, achieving high yields and an outstanding feed efficiency score.

With a firm grasp of the numbers and a strong focus on efficiency, he continually optimises every aspect of the business, from lactational persistency to feed conversion efficiency.

Nick showed a clear understanding of how the robotic data highlights the multiple factors involved in achieving top herd performance, especially cow behaviour, health and profitability, enabling him to make informed decisions that are both profitable and sustainable.

Sponsored by: National Farmers Union

Winner RM West & Son

Judges were impressed with the ethos and emphasis on providing work life balance at RM West & Son. Enabling their staff to grow and build their careers there, it was great to see a large team consisting of lots of young members too. The aim of this award is to recognise a team that works together to plan and ensure the overall health and wellbeing of both the animals and people on farm, while helping deliver profitability goals the business needs.

RM West & Son fully embrace this and understand that there is no ‘I’ in team, clearly showing that the success of their business and the care taken of their animals would not be possible without them. An excellent showcase of what can be achieved when the team is at the centre of it all.

Sponsored by: Daisy Vending

Winner Hewitt Family, Park Farm, Mookshake Shack

Inspiring next generation of farmers. Park Farm have built strong relationships with customers, and exploited social media to their advantage.

The farm has been transformed in just four years – it’s inspirational what these three farmers and entrepreneurs have done. What clearly comes across is the local community feel. ‘Grass to glass’ is a great message and seasonal bottles again offer captivation and engage customers.

Freddie, Abbie & Rosie are clearly brave and bold individuals, whilst supporting their family & community and growing a business that is just inspirational.

Highly Commended Collinson Family, Bellfield Farm,  The Milk Well

A sustainable business, that backs up its claims with facts and figures on how the farm structure has changed, downsizing the herd, whilst maintaining standards of animal welfare, sustainability and developing community engagement. Judges were impressed with details such as their research at planning stages, and how they are now giving advice to other producers. This is a multi-generational small family farm and vending outlet this is a truly important part of their community.

Sponsored by: Virbac

Winner Sam Potter BA DrMedVet MRCVS Hook Norton Veterinary Group

Sam Potter has been chosen as a winner for his progressive, data-driven approach to preventative medicine, successfully moving herds away from reactive “firefighting”. He has delivered outstanding measurable outcomes, such as reducing mastitis rates from 80 to 8 cases per 100 cows at one farm and boosting calf daily live weight gains by 15% at another.

Beyond his clinical excellence, Sam excels at empowering the entire farm workforce by translating complex data into actionable steps and actively engaging junior staff by sharing his ultrasound screen during visits.

Furthermore, his vital role as a mental health champion within his practice highlights a deeply holistic approach, recognising that a farm’s success relies just as much on the psychological well-being of the farmers as the biological health of the herd. Ultimately, his collaborative nature, honesty, and dedication to proactive health planning make him an indispensable and deeply trusted partner to his clients.

Sponsored by: Virbac

Winner LLM Farm Vets, Derbyshire

The winning practice grew impressively to become the area’s first farm-only practice and pioneered the local VetTech service.

Their outstanding use of data analytics such as their bespoke VetInvest financial tracking tool, Digifarm health tracking, and comprehensive calf dashboards sets them apart.

Combined with their commitment to Nottingham University student training and large-scale clinical audits (such as a major c-section study), they are a true leader in proactive, partnership-led dairy care.

An exemplary practice and winning team.

Sponsored by: HSBC

Winner Sarah Tomlinson, Lead Veterinary Expert AHDB

Consultant to TB Advisory Service, Member of GB Calf Strategy, Calf Action Network and National Beef Association Board

This is a woman who embodies everything that Women in Dairy is about. The award looks beyond Sarah’s expertise and leading work on bovine TB, recognising her remarkable ability to engage and influence farmers and the wider industry through her knowledge, words and empathy.

There was not a dry eye on the judging panel as Sarah spoke about supporting farmers through some of their most

devastating and difficult times. Her work has brought hope, support and kindness to thousands, while ensuring the human impact of bovine TB is understood alongside the technical and political challenges.

As a working, single mum of two, Sarah also spoke openly about forging a career in male-dominated environments, overcoming imposter syndrome and refusing to be held back. Sarah is extremely modest about her awe-inspiring achievements, and this award goes to her as a thank you on behalf of dairy farmers everywhere, and to recognise everything that Sarah has done for the industry, and the women she has inspired and supported along the way.

Runners up include:

Lorna Burdge, Waterhayne Farms

Through Open Farm Sunday, educational visits and the farm’s vending machine, she shares insight about farming with the wider local community and is always so enthusiastic and positive about the industry.

Leanne Bertram, Graham’s The Family Dairy

Leanne is a successful female leader in agriculture, she also demonstrates the significant and growing contribution women make across the industry, inspiring the next generation to believe there is a place for them in dairy farming.

Vicky Sloane- Masson, Ballacricket Farm

Vicky overcame early attitudes that “girls don’t farm” to become a respected farmer, businesswoman and industry leader. She is known for her determination, commitment to animal welfare, adoption of innovation, support for young people and promotion of women in agriculture.

Sponsored by: British Dairying

Winner MSD Animal Health: Bovilis Cryptium

An important tool in the box for protecting calves against Cryptosporidium and encouraging maximum growth rates and calf health in the all-critical first few months of life, said judges. Youngstock are the future of our business and beef calves a valuable source of cash flow so getting these off to a good start is vitally important, commented another.

“A crypto vaccine for those that calve all year round and have crypto on farm might be a game-changer,” commented one judge. The vaccine represents a major breakthrough in calf health management and disease prevention.

Winner FarmWater

The best and most successful farms always have clean, easy access to water and know what’s going in it, said one of the judges.

Winner FarmWater is the first system designed specifically for livestock environments to generate high yield, on-demand ClO² at the point of use, a vet-led fully managed and supported water hygiene system. “If FarmWater really makes the difference in yield it would pay for itself,” commented judges.

“Proven results from real farm data in providing livestock with clean water and aiding reduction in cell counts and bactoscans and improved health is a win win,” judges concluded.

Highly Commended Galebreaker: CalfHub

Reducing workload whilst improving calf health. “We forget about calves sometimes and how important they are – in the winter they want to be warm, in the summer they need to keep cool, farmers need solutions that are easy, and simple – this is the future herd and they need looking after, “ said judges. The project objectives included designing a low-cost building with embedded ventilation technology and monitoring systems, introducing a novel positive pressure ventilation tube in which incoming fresh air can be pre-heated, and developing an automated control system to maintain a more consistent and optimum environment for calves.

Highly Commended Precision Grazing Ltd: AIMER

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure,” said one judge and this tool looks to make it easier for farmers to measure grass, and more likely to use if it’s easy and not time consuming. I like that it works without a mobile signal too and can be synchronised later.” AIMER changes that by allowing farmers and farm teams to measure pasture cover with a smartphone, update the feed wedge, and use that information to make clearer grazing and supplement decisions.

Commended milkrite | InterPuls : IPS15 Air Guard

For a healthy, happy herd – the Air Guard is commended by judges for helping improve complete milking performance and udder health. With an estimated 40-50% reduced bacterial transmission, the effect of bacterial reduction and therefore need for antibiotic treatments against mastitis, can only mean healthier livestock, better milk quality and higher yields

Commended CowManager: FindMyCowFlash

A simple but effective product innovation from CowManager, said judges. Featuring a built-in flashing LED on the CowManager ear sensor, the FindMyCowFlash light is activated remotely via the app or desktop enabling producers to easily identify individual animals that need extra attention, whether in a crowded pen, during sorting, or in low visibility conditions.

THANK YOU TO THIS YEARS’ SPONSORS

JUDGES

PANEL

David Cotton, Dairy farmer & Chairman of Judges

Séan Rickard, Economist and Advisor

Robert Craig, RABDF Chairman and Dairy Farmer

Sarah Tomlinson, Lead Veterinary

Science Expert at AHDB

Alan Whibley, Publisher, British Dairying

CATEGORY JUDGES

John Smout, Proposition Manager Milking & Digital, Lely Atlantic

Alexandra Warriner, UK Agriculture Manager, Arla Foods

Becky Hewlett, Technical Consultant, Kite Consulting

Charlotte Ward, Ruminant Technical Manager, KW Feeds

Sarah Kearney, Farm & Equine Product Manager, Virbac

Ian Harvey, NFU National Dairy Board Chair, National Farmers Union

Nacia Bonnick, Digital Services & Sustainability Lead, Trouw Nutrition

Rebecca Davies, Head of Key Accounts & Technical Service, Wynnstay

Rob Simpson, GB Marketing Lead, MSD Animal Health

Kat Baxter-Smith, GB Vet Advisor, MSD Animal Health

John Fish, Country Manager UK & Irleand, Vilofoss

Andy Haggerty, Area Sales Manager, TBA Ltd.

Dr Jamie-Leigh Douglas, Technical Sales Manager, Techna Nutrition UK & Ireland

Fiona Moore, Business Manager, Volac Milk Replacers

Tom Pemberton, Pemberton Farm, for Daisy Vending

DAIRY INDUSTRY WOMAN  OF THE YEAR JUDGES

Claire Hodge, HSBC

Becca Cavill, Boehringer Ingelheim

Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, RABDF

INNOVATION AWARD JUDGES

Robert Craig, David Cotton, George Lester,

Chris Gowan, Joe Ives, Alice Sault, Mark Adams