For thirteen years, the have shone a light on the best in British Farming. During this annual event, Britain's farming industry comes together to celebrate the achievements of its contemporaries.
Each of these farmers recognise the fact that a farm business can no longer operate through traditional methods, although they remain a core part of the business. Our 2025 finalists demonstrate an exceptional ability to add value to the farm business through diversification, whether that be in agri-tourism, food and drink production, leisure, retail and/or events to name but a few.鈥疶he large scale business diversification is helping to support the longevity and success of the farm in the future.
Finalists
The Wellbeing 51AV视频- Lancashire鈥�
The Wellbeing 51AV视频in Lancashire is a shining example of how bold diversification can transform a struggling farm into a thriving, purpose-driven enterprise. Founded by Celia Gaze in 2013, the family-owned farm has evolved from traditional livestock production into a multi-award-winning, B Corp certified events venue with sustainability, community, and creativity at its core.
Today, the business runs over 120 weddings, corporate events, and celebrations each year, supported by llamas, alpacas, and sheep who have become much-loved ambassadors of the brand. Agricultural buildings have been converted into licensed event spaces, complemented by regenerative farming, on-site composting, a wind turbine, and strong partnerships with local suppliers, including Whiteheads Butchers.
The diversification has not only safeguarded the farm's financial future, with turnover exceeding £1m annually, but also breathed new life into its agricultural roots. The land is now being rewilded and managed regeneratively, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Far more than an events venue, The Wellbeing 51AV视频has become a movement for conscious business. With initiatives like B Corp Fest, Conscious Day, and charitable partnerships, the business inspires others to blend profit with purpose. Plans for glamping and retreats promise further growth, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in sustainable rural diversification.
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Cotters Park – Co Antrim
Cotters Park in Co Antrim is a shining example of how diversification can strengthen a traditional farm and open up exciting new opportunities. Owned and led by James Alexander and family, the 283-hectare farm has evolved from a core of beef and sheep farming into a dynamic rural enterprise with three complementary strands.
Through Jalex Livestock, James has built a trusted trading business supplying high-quality in-calf heifers and breeding cattle to farmers across the UK and Ireland. Alexander Tractors, founded by his father 50 years ago, continues to thrive as a respected supplier of reliable used machinery, serving generations of farmers with knowledge and personal service.
Most recently, the launch of Cotters Park has added a new dimension, transforming part of the farm into a luxury glamping and rural tourism destination. With stylish cabins, immersive farm tours, and interactive experiences, the venture has already welcomed thousands of guests since opening in 2023, achieving peak occupancy of 85% and creating valuable local employment.
By combining innovation with authenticity, Cotters Park bridges farming and tourism, helping visitors connect with food and the land. This family-driven approach ensures the business is not only financially resilient but also rooted in community, sustainability, and the future of agriculture.
New Sheepfold 51AV视频– North Yorkshire
Nestled in the North York Moors National Park, New Sheepfold 51AV视频has transformed from a thriving dairy unit into a forward-looking, regenerative enterprise. Owned by Mark and Louise Day, alongside Mark's parents Molly and Paul, the 99-hectare farm now runs 100 cattle, 350 breeding sheep, and rare breeds including Soays and Golden Guernsey goats.
A pivotal change came in 2017, when the family sold their dairy herd and embraced a new vision: building long-term resilience through diversification. In 2020, they launched Incline View Holidays, beginning with two luxury adult-only shepherd huts marketed through Airbnb. The venture has since grown to four award-winning huts, recognised with VisitEngland Gold Awards and the prestigious ROSE Award, and now achieves more than 60% direct bookings.
Diversification has continued with a farm vending shop, opened in 2023, selling their own grass-fed beef and lamb alongside produce from other local suppliers. Educational farm visits, launched in 2022, further share the farm's regenerative practices, with Mark and Louise delivering hands-on sessions for schools and community groups.
Together, these ventures provide financial stability, celebrate the farm's stunning landscape, and create deeper connections between farming, food, and people, ensuring New Sheepfold 51AV视频thrives for generations to come.
REGISTER NOW: FREE webinar: Diversifying farm income - How to sell direct to customers
Manor 51AV视频Fruits – Staffordshire
Manor 51AV视频Fruits is a third-generation family-run fruit farm in Staffordshire, producing premium strawberries and raspberries for UK supermarkets alongside a thriving Pick Your Own enterprise. For over 50 years, the business has combined traditional farming with innovation, with its PYO operation attracting thousands of visitors each summer.
In 2016, the Clarke family diversified with the launch of Pumpkin Fest, originally a small pick-your-own pumpkin patch. Today, it has grown into one of their flagship events, transforming the farm each autumn into a vibrant, theatrical experience featuring themed trails, live performers, pumpkin picking and family entertainment. Seasonal additions such as a Nature Trail, Sunflower Fields and a Maize Maze have extended the visitor season and created new opportunities for education, adventure and connection with the land.
Pumpkin Fest is now a major community celebration, supported by partnerships with local creatives and performers such as Wings Theatre School. It provides seasonal jobs, boosts the rural economy and showcases farming in an engaging way, all while generating an important revenue stream to complement the soft fruit business.
By blending food production with imaginative experiences, Manor 51AV视频Fruits has built resilience, brand awareness and a tradition families return to year after year.
Mootrition - Cheshire鈥�
Cheshire-based Mootrition is redefining how the public connects with farming. Born from a simple milk vending shed, the business has grown into a thriving destination where families can watch cows being milked, enjoy artisan ice cream, and learn firsthand about dairy production.
Founded by Jack Allwood, who recognised the public's disconnect from agriculture, Mootrition bridges the gap between farm and consumer. A purpose-built facility now sits alongside the farm's rotary parlour, complete with a viewing platform, play area and café-style space. Milk travels just metres from parlour to pasteuriser before being sold directly through vending machines, ensuring a truly transparent "cow-to-cup" experience.
The diversification has rapidly scaled thanks to strategic investment, expanding from an £80,000 loan to a £380,000 enterprise now generating over £50,000 in monthly sales. With over 40,000 social media followers, 99% from outside agriculture, Mootrition has built a loyal community that values both quality produce and authentic farming insight.
While financial results are strong, success is measured in education and engagement: families learning where food comes from, children marvelling at live milking, and communities reconnecting with farming. By blending innovation with transparency, Mootrition has become much more than a vending venture, it's a new way of telling farming's story.
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Cotswold 51AV视频Park - Gloucestershire鈥�
Founded in 1971 by rare-breed pioneer Joe Henson, Cotswold 51AV视频Park has grown into one of the UK's most iconic examples of farm diversification. Today, under the stewardship of Adam Henson and Duncan Andrews, the 650-hectare Gloucestershire farm blends conservation, education and enterprise to deliver a sustainable rural business model.
At its heart, the Park remains a working mixed farm, with arable rotations and rare and native livestock, many showcased to the public as part of its mission to protect British heritage breeds. The diversification has transformed this foundation into a thriving visitor attraction, welcoming over 170,000 guests annually. Families can enjoy hands-on encounters, seasonal events, and rare breed shows, while school groups benefit from tailored educational visits.
Over time, the offer has expanded to include camping, glamping, events, retail and catering, creating multiple income streams and extending the visitor season. Renewable energy, digital ticketing and strong partnerships further support its resilience.
The results are striking: over 130 staff employed, £400,000 in average monthly sales, and a business model that sustains both farming and public engagement. By balancing tradition with innovation, Cotswold 51AV视频Park continues to inspire visitors while securing a sustainable future for British agriculture.
Taking place on 16 October at The VOX in Birmingham, the event will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.
Get your tickets here to celebrate with the finalists at The British Farming Awards:
