Ripon farmer wins national award

Farmer James Johnson, who runs Mallard Grange Farm alongside his father Charles, has been named Regenerative Farmer of the Year at the 2026 British Farming Awards.

The award was presented at a ceremony held at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on Thursday 15 October, recognising the farm’s work to reduce reliance on fertiliser, improve soil health and encourage wildlife back onto the land.

Located three miles west of Ripon, Mallard Grange has been farmed by the Johnson family since 1933. The mixed family farm combines arable crops with cattle, sheep and pasture-raised hens.

James began rethinking the farm’s conventional approach after the exceptionally wet autumn of 2019 and dry spring of 2020 placed significant pressure on the land and livestock.

Over the past seven years, Mallard Grange has introduced regenerative practices including adaptive multi-paddock grazing, herbal leys, cover crops and direct drilling.

These changes have helped improve soil structure, reduce external inputs and make the farm more resilient to extreme weather.

The environmental benefits can also be seen in greater numbers of insects and farmland birds, including the first successful hatching of English partridge chicks recorded at Mallard Grange.

James Johnson said: “Winning Regenerative Farmer of the Year is a very proud moment for our family and everyone who works alongside us at Mallard Grange.

“Seeing the land become more resilient and wildlife return, while building a stronger farming business for the future, has been incredibly rewarding.

“This award gives us confidence that we are moving in the right direction, although there is still plenty more for us to learn.”

Mallard Grange has also been a member of Farm Stay UK for more than 30 years, offering B&B and self-catering accommodation.

Welcoming guests provides an additional income stream while giving visitors an opportunity to experience a working farm and learn more about how their food is produced.

David Brown, director of Farm Stay UK, said: “This is a thoroughly deserved achievement for James, his family and the team at Mallard Grange.

“Their work shows how regenerative practices can strengthen a family farm while benefiting its soil and wildlife, and everyone at Farm Stay UK is incredibly proud to see one of our long-standing members recognised nationally.”

Organised by Farmers Guardian, the British Farming Awards celebrate the innovation, resilience and achievements of farmers and agricultural businesses across the UK.