Collaboration within the farming industry and adoption of innovative practices have emerged as defining themes among the winners of the 2026 Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) Awards, announced at The Cowdray Estate on Wednesday 23rd September.
“What stands out across this year’s winners is that agricultural progress rarely happens in isolation,” says Paul Westaway, chairman at RASE. “Whether through farmers working together, businesses engaging with their communities, or adopting new approaches to production and land management, these winners demonstrate that collaboration is becoming an increasingly important part of building resilient and successful agricultural businesses.”
Farmer collaboration recognised with National Agricultural Award
The 2026 National Agricultural Award was presented to Rob Shepherd, managing partner of Allenford Farms, for pioneering farmer cluster groups and demonstrating how collaboration between farmers can deliver practical environmental and business benefits.
Award judge Andrew Wraith from Savills shares that after helping to establish the first farmer cluster group in 2013, Mr Shepherd has chaired over 100 Environmental Farmers Group meetings.
“His leadership has inspired others to set up their own cluster groups, sweeping away the ‘farmers don’t do co-operation’ myth and demonstrated how collaboration can transform the delivery of natural capital,” he says.
Yorkshire farmer recognised for pioneering approach to upland farming
Farm of the Future Award winner James Newhouse also demonstrated the value of farmer-to-farmer collaboration, through his role in setting up a meat vending machine along with other nearby farms, which has strengthened local food networks. He was also recognised for his success in developing a small-scale upland farming system while restoring habitats and supporting local communities to engage with agriculture.
“Coming into farming later in life, James has brought a fresh perspective and become an outstanding ambassador for a modern approach to hill farming,” says award judge Isabella Boulton, from The Crown Estate.
Bedfordshire farmer recognised for combining natural capital and commercial innovation
For the Natural Capital Award, Andrew Mahon was selected as the winner due to his success in increasing habitat space alongside profitable food production and diversification ventures.
“Willingness to try new things has underpinned Andrew’s farm management decisions for several years,” says judge Arran Redman from Innovation for Agriculture. “This has resulted in restored soil health by transitioning to zero-tillage and use of cover crops, trialling new technology for in-field SAP testing to optimise crop nutrition and conversion of a former grain store into two padel courts to create a profitable diversification.”
Essex brothers recognised for practical farming innovation
The Excellence in Practical Farming winners were similarly recognised for their willingness to innovate. Brothers James and Andrew Balaam have installed a ground source heat pump which uses reservoir water as the heat source to dry their grain, reducing both the carbon footprint and energy costs for the farm.
“We were impressed by how James and Andrew have used public and corporate funding to develop the business, and have engaged with various SFI options where this does not jeopardise food production,” says judge David Miller.
Holkham leadership recognised with RASE’s Bledisloe Gold Medal
The Earl of Leicester DL, was awarded the 2026 Bledisloe Gold Medal in recognition of his leadership and management of the Holkham Estate to bring together regenerative farming, conservation and commercial expertise.
“Under Lord Leicester’s guidance, Holkham’s highly diversified farming business spans arable production, fresh produce, livestock, grain handling and value-added processing,” says award judge Tim Gregory from Saffery. “Notably, the estate has extended the UK salad potato season, reducing the country’s reliance on imports and strengthening domestic supply chains.”
Sugar beet researcher recognised for his impact on UK farming
Finally, the 2026 Science & Technology Award celebrated Professor Mark Stevens, for the impact of his research and scientific leadership on the UK sugar beet industry.
“For over three decades, Professor Stevens has combined internationally recognised scientific leadership with an exceptional commitment to translating research into practical solutions for farmers. This has enabled the development of evidence-led approaches to complex crop-protection challenges, including the responsible use of neonicotinoid insecticides” says judge Dr Becky Wheeler from Future Biogas.
Awards hosted by The Cowdray Estate The awards were hosted at The Cowdray Estate, following Michael Cowdray’s receipt of the 2025 Bledisloe Gold Medal. Guests were given a tour of the estate, including examples of the farming advancements and diversification enterprises that contributed to the estate’s award-winning approach. RASE extends its thanks to the 4th Viscount, Michael Cowdray and the whole Cowdray Estate team for hosting the awards and sharing the estate with guests.