51AVÊÓÆµ

Blind farmer appointed new managing director at Inclusive Farm

Mike Duxbury, who was registered as blind at the age of six, has championed the importance of helping disabled people into agriculture

clock • 1 min read
Mike Duxbury has been appointed as the new managing director at Inclusive Farm
Image:

Mike Duxbury has been appointed as the new managing director at Inclusive Farm

A farmer with an ambition to make agriculture more diverse and accessible for people living with disabilities has been rewarded with a promotion to reflect his hardwork and commitment to the industry.

Mike Duxbury, who was registered as blind at the age of six, has been announced as the new manager director of the Inclusive 51AVÊÓÆµon the Woburn Estate in Bedfordshire - an organisation which was created to show people with disabilities a route into agriculture and give them the confidence to pursue a worthwhile and fulfilling career.

Also known as the blind farmer, Mr Duxbury told the Farmers Guardian earlier this year he wanted to help disabled people reach their ‘full potential' by entering a career in agriculture.

Having demonstrated the work of fostering diversity at Inclusive Farm, he has also worked to challenge other non-agricultural based businesses to review their own practices regarding employment of disabled people.

Vanessa Shillito, co-founder of the Inclusive Farm, said Mr Duxbury has made a ‘fantastic contribution' through his work ethic and dedication.

"Mike has steered this project from conception, right through to a very successful reality, resulting in significant growth," Ms Shillto added.

"With Mike officially at the helm, the company will continue to build the brand, effectively growing the original farm concept across the country, with the vision of reaching a global vision."

See also: Yorkshire Vet to help pick Downing Street's Christmas tree at South Yorkshire farm

WATER ABSTRACTION LICENCES FOR SALE

£±Ê°¿´¡

Outdoor Beef Finishing Coral System, available

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµstar 'Cheerful Charlie' joins fight to find cure for MND

Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµstar 'Cheerful Charlie' joins fight to find cure for MND

Charlie Ireland helped to raise over £20,000 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in 2023 following the death of his father from the life-shortening condition

clock 01 July 2025 • 2 min read
Farmers Guardian releases regenerative farming special

Farmers Guardian releases regenerative farming special

Today (June 27) Farmers Guardian has launched its first regenerative farming edition, looking at different farming practices across the country and what impact these methods are having on farm businesses

clock 27 June 2025 • 1 min read
Regen special: Revisiting past practices allows mixed farm to be financially resilient while boosting biodiversity

Regen special: Revisiting past practices allows mixed farm to be financially resilient while boosting biodiversity

One Cornish farmer is returning to past practices, but with a science-based view, on his family farm

Ruth Wills
clock 26 June 2025 • 9 min read