Ripon farmer in finals of prestigious awards
A Ripon farmer whose regenerative approach has reduced reliance on fertiliser while improving soil health and encouraging wildlife back onto the land has been named among the finalists in the 2026 British Farming Awards.
James Johnson, who runs Mallard Grange Farm alongside his father Charles, has been shortlisted for Regenerative Farmer of the Year. Located three miles west of Ripon, Mallard Grange has been farmed by the Johnson family since 1933.
James Johnson said “We are still learning and adapting, but seeing wildlife return while building a stronger farming business has been incredibly rewarding.
"Being shortlisted for Regenerative Farmer of the Year is a proud moment for everyone involved at Mallard Grange.”
The recognition follows a seven-year journey to create a more resilient farming business by improving soil health, reducing the use of external inputs and adapting how livestock and crops are managed.
The mixed family farm combines around 200 acres of arable cropping with 540 acres of predominantly grass-based land. It is home to 140 suckler breeding cattle, 400 lowland breeding ewes and 900 pasture-raised laying hens.
James began questioning the farm’s conventional approach following the exceptionally wet autumn of 2019 and dry spring of 2020, when the contrasting conditions placed significant pressure on the land and livestock.
Determined to make the business better equipped to withstand extreme weather and other external challenges, he began researching regenerative agriculture and the role healthier soils could play in the farm’s future.
Supported by a Yorkshire Agricultural Society bursary, James attended Groundswell and Soil Academy events, while also learning from regenerative farmers across the country.
Mallard Grange has since introduced adaptive multi-paddock grazing, allowing areas of grassland longer periods to rest and recover. Diverse herbal leys and cover crops have also been incorporated into the farming system to encourage deeper roots and improve soil structure and biological activity.
The farm has moved towards lower-input cattle and sheep genetics that are better suited to thriving on grass and forage. This has supported outdoor lambing and reduced the reliance on additional feed and treatments.
Mallard Grange no longer uses worming products on its cattle and has substantially reduced their use across the sheep flock. Its pasture-raised hens follow grazing livestock in mobile units, naturally fertilising the land while helping to control flies and ticks.
Regenerative practices have also been incorporated into the arable enterprise, with cover crops, direct drilling and low-disturbance cultivation used to protect the soil. Sheep graze cereal crops during early spring, removing diseased leaves and returning nutrients to the land.
Improved soil structure means the land is better able to cope with heavy rainfall and prolonged dry periods, allowing livestock to remain outdoors for longer and reducing housing costs.
The environmental benefits can also be seen across the farm, with deeper plant roots, greater numbers of insects and farmland birds, and the first successful hatching of English partridge chicks recorded at Mallard Grange.
As well as undertaking regenerative farming, Mallard Grange has been a member of Farm Stay UK for more than 30 years, offering a range of self catering and B&B accommodation. Opening the farm to visitors allows guests to see first-hand their farming practices, benefits of regenerative farming, while also bringing in additional income to the farm.
David Brown, director of Farm Stay UK the farmer-owned co-operative that represents working farms and rural accommodation providers across the country, said: “James’s work demonstrates how regenerative agriculture can strengthen a family farm while delivering clear benefits for its soil, livestock and wildlife.
"By welcoming guests to stay helps spread the positive message further and it is fantastic to see the family’s continued commitment to farming recognised nationally. Everyone at Farm Stay wishes James and the team the very best for the final.”
Organised by Farmers Guardian, the British Farming Awards recognise the innovation, resilience and positive impact of farmers and agricultural businesses across the UK.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 15 October 2026.