Categories

This award celebrates a dairy farm that demonstrates outstanding herd management, milk quality, and sustainable practices. Judges will look for farms that prioritise animal welfare, efficiency in production, and innovations such as regenerative farming, renewable energy use, or advanced milking technology. The winner will be a shining example of Yorkshire’s thriving dairy industry. Entry guidelines include:

• Describe the size and scope of your dairy operation.
• Detail herd health, welfare, and breeding practices.
• Showcase dairy quality, production efficiency, and sustainability efforts.
• Provide examples of innovation, technology use, or regenerative practices.
• Highlight industry recognition, community involvement, or future plans.

This brand new category, created by our headline sponsor Nufarm, celebrates individuals, businesses, or organisations driving forward-thinking solutions in farming. This category recognises those who embrace cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and novel approaches to improve efficiency, productivity, and environmental stewardship in agriculture. Whether through pioneering research, precision farming, regenerative techniques, or game-changing product development, nominees in this category are shaping the future of British and Irish farming. Their innovative mindset not only enhances profitability and resilience but also ensures a more sustainable and food-secure future. This award honours those who push boundaries, challenge conventions, and inspire progress across the agricultural industry. Entry guidelines include:

• Describe your innovation in farming or agriculture.
• Explain its impact on productivity, sustainability, or efficiency.
• Provide evidence of real-world application and success.
• Highlight originality, research, and industry influence.
• Showcase potential for future growth and wider industry adoption.

This category cannot be entered. This award goes to someone who has had a major impact in the rural landscape of Yorkshire for a significant period of time. The judges will discuss a number of individuals and decide on a winner for 2025. The winner will be kept a secret and will be announced at the live event in September.

Recognising excellence in poultry farming, this award honours a farm producing high-quality eggs or meat while maintaining the highest welfare standards. The winner will demonstrate innovative and ethical poultry farming practices, whether through free-range, organic, or large-scale commercial production, while prioritising sustainability and efficiency. Entry guidelines include:

• Outline your poultry farming operation (meat, eggs, or breeding).
• Demonstrate high welfare standards and best farming practices.
• Showcase sustainability, feed efficiency, and disease prevention strategies.
• Highlight any innovative approaches or unique market positioning.
• Provide evidence of business success, industry recognition, or community engagement.

This award is open to any size of farm that includes rare breeds and is dedicated to preserving and promoting rare and heritage livestock breeds (whether that's specialising wholly in rare breeds or livestock/arable farmers that have rare breeds on their farm). The winner will show commitment to genetic diversity, conservation, and responsible breeding, ensuring the survival of traditional British livestock. Judges will look for farms that actively engage in education, sustainability, and breed promotion within Yorkshire’s agricultural landscape. Entry guidelines include:

• Provide an overview of the rare or heritage breeds you farm.
• Explain breeding programmes and conservation efforts.
• Highlight sustainable and ethical farming methods.
• Showcase engagement in breed promotion, education, or community outreach.
• Include examples of industry involvement, collaborations, or business success.

Honouring excellence in cattle farming, this award recognises a farm that excels in breeding, welfare, and sustainable livestock management. Whether focusing on beef or dairy production, the winning farm will showcase superior genetics, responsible grazing practices, and a commitment to high welfare standards while maintaining profitability and environmental stewardship. Entry guidelines include:

• Outline your cattle farming operation (beef or dairy).
• Discuss breeding, feeding, and herd health management.
• Highlight sustainability initiatives and responsible land management.
• Provide evidence of market success and industry engagement.
• Showcase any diversification efforts or innovations in cattle farming.

This category recognises a pig farm that sets the standard in breeding, production, and animal welfare. The judges will look for farms that implement ethical husbandry practices, disease prevention, and efficiency in feed and waste management. Farms that champion rare or heritage breeds, or those embracing innovative pig farming techniques, will also be considered. Entry guidelines include:

• Provide an overview of your pig farming enterprise.
• Demonstrate high welfare standards and breeding success.
• Highlight sustainable and ethical farming practices.
• Showcase innovations in pig farming, feed efficiency, or waste management.
• Include market success, industry recognition, or unique approaches.

Celebrating the best in sheep farming, this award is for a farm that demonstrates exceptional flock management, pasture health, and high-quality wool or lamb production. The winner will be a leader in sustainable sheep farming, genetic improvement, and welfare practices, with a clear focus on efficiency, profitability, and environmental responsibility. Entry guidelines include:

• Describe your sheep farming operation (meat, wool, or both).
• Explain breeding strategies, pasture management, and flock health.
• Highlight sustainability, conservation, and welfare practices.
• Showcase achievements in product quality, wool production, or market success.
• Include any diversification efforts or community engagement.

This category celebrates an arable farm that excels in crop production while maintaining soil health and sustainability. Judges will look for farmers who utilise precision farming techniques, crop rotation, and regenerative agriculture to maximise yields while minimising environmental impact. The winner will be a leader in sustainable arable farming, innovation, and responsible land stewardship. Entry guidelines include:-

• Describe the scale and diversity of your arable farming.
• Explain crop rotation, soil health management, and sustainability efforts.
• Highlight innovations in machinery, precision farming, or technology.
• Provide evidence of yield success, efficiency, and market impact.
• Showcase contributions to conservation, biodiversity, or regenerative agriculture.

The Mixed Farm of the Year Award is open to any farm that operates any form of mixed farm enterprise (either operating two or more livestock species or operating as both arable and livestock farms). This award recognises those who balance multiple agricultural sectors effectively. The winner will demonstrate an ability to integrate crop and livestock production to enhance efficiency, soil fertility, and farm resilience, while maintaining high standards of sustainability and business acumen. Entry guidelines include:

• Outline the structure of your mixed farming operation.
• Explain how you successfully integrate livestock and arable farming.
• Highlight sustainability, efficiency, and diversification efforts.
• Showcase any innovative approaches, technology use, or conservation work.
• Provide examples of market success, profitability, or community impact

Honouring the future of Yorkshire’s rural sector, this award recognises a young farmer, entrepreneur, or agricultural professional making a significant impact (under the age of 35). The next generation is vital to the future of rural Yorkshire and we are looking for anyone who is doing something great in the rural sector and deserves recognition.  The winner will showcase passion, innovation, and dedication to farming or rural enterprise, demonstrating the drive and potential to shape the future of Yorkshire’s countryside. Entry guidelines include:

• Provide an overview of the nominee’s background and role in the rural sector.
• Highlight their achievements, skills, and impact on their field.
• Showcase innovation, leadership, or community contributions.
• Provide supporting evidence such as testimonials, awards, or media coverage.
• Explain their future potential and ambitions in the rural industry.

Recognising the finest farm shops in Yorkshire, this category celebrates businesses that offers exceptional local produce, outstanding customer service, and a commitment to sustainability. The winner will showcase fresh, high-quality farm-grown or locally sourced products, a strong connection to Yorkshire’s farming community, and an innovative approach to retail and customer experience. Entry guidelines include:

• Describe your farm shop’s location, size, and range of products.
• Showcase your commitment to local and sustainable produce.
• Highlight customer service, community engagement, and unique offerings.
• Provide evidence of business growth, marketing success, or innovation.
• Include customer testimonials, awards, or sales performance.

This award recognises a farm, rural business, or organisation making a significant contribution to environmental conservation and sustainability. Judges will look for initiatives such as carbon reduction projects, improving soil health, rewilding efforts, habitat restoration, water conservation, or innovative approaches to reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. Entry guidelines include:

• Explain your environmental project or initiative.
• Showcase measurable positive impacts (e.g., carbon reduction, habitat creation).
• Highlight innovation in sustainability and conservation.
• Provide supporting data, case studies, or testimonials.
• Demonstrate long-term commitment and scalability of the initiative.

Celebrating those who educate the public about farming, sustainability, and rural life, this award honours individuals, farms, or organisations that offer outstanding educational experiences. This could include school outreach programmes, farm open days, conservation projects, or digital resources that increase awareness and appreciation of agriculture in Yorkshire. Entry guidelines include:

• Describe your educational programme, event, or outreach work.
• Explain its impact on raising awareness of rural life or agriculture.
• Showcase innovation in engagement, teaching, or communication methods.
• Provide evidence of public reach, feedback, and success stories.
• Highlight collaborations with schools, communities, or industry.

This category recognises a standout event that promotes rural life, farming, or local produce in Yorkshire. Judges will look for events that engage communities, support local businesses, and offer an exceptional visitor experience. This could include agricultural shows, food festivals, educational fairs, or farm open days that make a lasting impact. Entry guidelines include:

• Outline the purpose and scale of your event.
• Explain how it supports the farming or rural community.
• Showcase visitor engagement, impact, and unique elements.
• Provide data on attendance, media reach, and feedback.
• Highlight sustainability efforts, local business involvement, or industry recognition.

Celebrating the resilience and innovation of Yorkshire’s rural enterprises, this award recognises a business that demonstrates strong growth, sustainability, and a positive contribution to the local economy. The winner could be a farm diversification project, rural retailer, food producer, tourism venture, or any enterprise thriving in the countryside. Entry guidelines include:

• Provide an overview of your rural business, including key products or services.
• Showcase innovation, growth, and economic impact.
• Highlight sustainability and ethical business practices.
• Provide evidence of community involvement and customer success.
• Include business performance data, achievements, or industry recognition.

This award honours a farm stay, B&B, guesthouse, or glamping site that offers an exceptional countryside experience. Judges will consider factors such as unique accommodation, sustainability efforts, visitor engagement, and the promotion of Yorkshire’s rural charm and hospitality. Entry guidelines include:

• Describe your accommodation type (farm stay, B&B, glamping, etc.).
• Showcase guest experience, facilities, and unique features.
• Highlight sustainability efforts and connection to rural Yorkshire.
• Provide evidence of customer satisfaction, reviews, and awards.
• Explain how your accommodation supports local tourism and businesses.

This category cannot be entered. Each year, all the farms that are winners in any farm category are automatically put forward and our judges have to decide upon the coveted Farm of the Year title for 2025! Winner to be announced on the night at the live awards ceremony.