WINNER

Dawn Bowness, Clevedale Veterinary Practice

Dawn Bowness is an exceptional veterinary adviser whose advanced practitioner status and hands-on farm work have delivered exceptional, measurable results in flock and herd performance. Her impact, demonstrated through productivity gains, disease reduction, and farmer testimonials marks her out as a trusted adviser at the heart of farming businesses.

FINALISTS

Avril Ritchie, Noble Foods

Heather Elven, DEFRA

Heather Wildman, Saviour Associates Ltd

Letty Glaister, Tees Law 

WINNER

Kate Rowell, QMS

As Chair of QMS and a veterinary-trained farmer, Kate Rowell has steered Scotland’s red meat industry through Brexit, COVID, and environmental challenges, leading campaigns like Meating Our Potential that increased consumption and influenced government policy. She combines hands-on farming with industry leadership, promoting business growth, and public understanding of agriculture.

Highly Commended:

Sarah Juggins, North Norfolk Cluster Group

FINALISTS

Catherine McLaughlin, NFU and RUMA

Dr Jenna Ross OBE, Nuffield Farming Scholarship Trust 

Sarah Baker, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

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WINNER

Hannah Jackson

Hannah Jackson, a first-generation farmer known as the Red Shepherdess, is a powerful and authentic voice bridging the gap between food producers and the public. From building a sustainable hill farm in Cumbria and telling her story using social media, education, and on-farm experiences to reconnect people with agriculture, she has helped inspire the next generation.

FINALISTS

Amber Jeans

Anna Varnish

Nicola Gardner

Tracy Wathen-Jones

WINNER 

Shannon Howe

Shannon Howe is an exceptional agricultural engineer whose resilience and expertise keep farm operations running when it matters most, often working around the clock in high-pressure situations. Her ability to earn the trust of farmers, deliver immediate solutions in the field, and inspire others through her journey makes her an outstanding winner.

FINALIST

Emily Lloyd, JC Bamford Excavators Ltd

WINNER

CXCS Group Ltd

CXCS Group is an established agricultural consultancy supporting over 3,500 clients with compliance, carbon auditing, and advisory services. Demonstrating strong financial performance, excellent delivery, and a 95% female workforce with clear leadership development pathways.

FINALISTS

Angela de Manzanos, Fungi Alert Ltd

Holly Brooks, Popell Barns Mobile Farm

Jane Craigie, Jane Craigie Marketing 

Julianne Mary Frances Moore, Farm Drive 

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WINNER

Milly Fyfe, The Countryside Kitchen

Milly Fyfe is an inspiring farmer and social entrepreneur whose pioneering work through The Countryside Kitchen is transforming how communities connect with food, farming and wellbeing. She has delivered exceptional impact, creating an inclusive, nationally recognised education hub that empowers hundreds of children and families while championing a more resilient future for agriculture.

FINALISTS

Kate Rowell, QMS

Helen Rogers, Friars Moor Livestock Health

Helen Stanier, Grey Leys Farm 

Holly Atkinson, Holly and The Herd

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WINNER 

Caroline Wellon, O2 Agri

Caroline Wellon of O2 Agri has led the development and commercial rollout of a patent-pending nanobubble water treatment system, delivering a genuinely novel, science-led solution that improves poultry health, reduces mortality, and lowers reliance on chemicals. With proven on-farm results and growing commercial adoption, her innovation stands out for its technical excellence and clear scalability across the sector.

FINALISTS

Amy Thomas, Lincolnshire Rural Support Network

Sandra Murphy, Equidiet UK

Shabawn Farrall, Hillsgreen

Sara Jones, Tump Farm

WINNER

Emma Chapelhow, The UK Agri-Tech Centre

Emma Chapelhow operates at the cutting edge of agri-tech, leading open innovation programmes that connect farmers, researchers, and global industries. Her work has driven cross-sector collaboration, international partnerships, and new innovation models, while also championing inclusivity and education within agriculture.

FINALISTS

Beth MacKinnon, Monitor Farm Scotland 

Chloe Gimson, Savills UK Limited

Isla Soutter, ABP UK

Molly Vasanthakumar, Stockfree Farming

WINNER

Lauren Hladun, Asda

Lauren Hlladun is an exceptionally strong supply chain leader operating at the intersection of retail, packing, and farming. She has strengthened grower–retailer relationships, coordinated international agronomy teams, and led waste reduction and seasonal planning initiatives demonstrating impressive operational impact at scale.

FINALISTS

Beckii Gibbs, United Oilseeds

Laura Pickup, Pickstock Telford 

Melissa Young, Nick Young Tractor Parts

Rachael Harris, Deutsche Leasing Ltd

WINNER

Cora Cooper, Cooper Farms

Cora Cooper has built a truly regenerative, low-input hill farming system that delivers exceptional outcomes for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and resilient food production at scale. Her integration of peatland restoration, adaptive grazing, and policy-level advocacy positions her as a leading example of whole-system sustainability in action.

Highly Commended: 

Emily Marshall, Noble Foods

FINALISTS

Dr Jenna Ross OBE, UK Agri-Tech Centre

Katie Thorley, ABP UK

Nikki Yoxall, Pasture for Life

                                                                                         

WINNER

Caroline Millar, Scottish Agritourism

Caroline Millar has demonstrated exceptional leadership in championing the agritourism sector, playing a pivotal role in establishing Scottish Agritourism and driving the delivery of Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy. Through tireless advocacy, strategic collaboration, and innovative initiatives, she has elevated the sector’s profile, secured meaningful investment, and created lasting opportunities for farmers and rural businesses. Her vision, resilience, and commitment continue to deliver transformative impact across the agricultural industry.

FINALISTS

Jill Hewitt, NAAC

Judicaelle Hammon, Country Land and Business Association

Ruth Bailey, Agricultural Engineers Association

Sarah Miller, QMS

WINNER 

Kate Mason, Vale Training Services Ltd

Kate Mason has demonstrated outstanding growing Vale Training Services from a small local provider into a thriving organisation delivering over 500 courses annually and supporting more than 40,000 learners throughout her career. Her dedication to accessible, high-quality education has made a lasting impact on skills and confidence across the rural and agricultural sector.

FINALISTS

Cara Cameron, Lochview Rural Training 

Jennie Devine, NFU

Louisa Dines, Harper Adams University 

Victoria Beckwith, Capel Manor College

WINNER

Christine Tacon

Christine Tacon is a pioneering leader whose remarkable career has shaped the UK’s food and farming landscape, from transforming the Co-op’s farming business into a profitable, forward-thinking enterprise to driving lasting cultural change across the grocery sector as the first Groceries Code Adjudicator. Her commitment to fairness, collaboration, and supplier protection has had a profound and enduring impact, strengthening trust and resilience throughout the supply chain. Beyond her executive roles, she has championed education, leadership, and inclusion – always with women in mind - and supporting the next generation through extensive mentoring and industry initiatives. For a lifetime of outstanding service, influence, and dedication to agriculture and the wider food industry, Christine Tacon is a truly deserving recipient of this award. It is with great pride and admiration that we present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Christine Tacon!

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