For thirteen years, the British Farming Awards has 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.
The 2025 51AV视频Worker of the Year finalists have been selected because of their unparalleled commitment to the farm, whether that be in the form of time and effort, attention to detail, or their innovative approach to adopting new practices to ensure the farm business runs efficiently and effectively. Our 2025 finalists demonstrate an exceptional understanding of the farm business, and through their self-motivation, have gone above and beyond to contribute to their respective farm enterprises.
Proudly Introducing the Finalists for 51AV视频Worker of the Year 2025
Chloe Lucas - Essex鈥�
From nursing to nurturing livestock, Chloe Lucas has carved out a unique path in farming, combining education, conservation, and hands-on stockmanship. Based in Essex, she divides her time between three very different farming enterprises: Barleylands 51AV视频Park, Blannicombe 51AV视频in Devon, and her own Highland cattle on Basildon Council meadows.
At Barleylands, Chloe works as an education assistant, welcoming thousands of schoolchildren each year to discover farming through cooking, tractor rides, and animal care. She also leads public talks, such as during sheep shearing events, helping reconnect families with where food comes from.
Her practical farm work is honed at Blannicombe, a 470-acre regenerative dairy farm with 900 Ayrshires. There, Chloe milks, calves, rears youngstock, and supports herd health, having recently completed her AI training. She is valued for her willingness to learn and her growing independence in the parlour and fields.
Closer to home, Chloe has realised her dream of keeping her own Highland cattle, grazing meadows under a Natural England conservation project. She runs public "meet and greets," where visitors learn about the cattle's role in biodiversity, food production, and mental wellbeing.
From a non-farming background, Chloe has thrown herself into agriculture with passion and resilience. She has featured on TV and radio advocating for farmers, and her work to bridge the gap between the public and farming is central to her mission. Her determination to learn, educate and support others makes her a standout finalist.
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Takara Comrie - Lincolnshire鈥�
At just 22, Takara Comrie has already shown resilience and leadership beyond her years. Working at Limestone Farming Company in Lincolnshire, she helps manage a 1,200-hectare farm that runs a large pedigree Stabiliser suckler herd. Each spring, 360 cows calve in a tightly managed system, with everything reared to finish and sold to Dovecote.
When the unit's head stockman was taken ill last year, Takara stepped up to lead the livestock enterprise with one colleague. She oversaw bedding, feeding, calving, weaning, and herd health while also managing paperwork, records, and routine testing. Thanks to her commitment, the business achieved a smooth calving, successful grazing season, and efficient weaning despite being short-staffed and facing challenging weather.
Takara's proactive approach has delivered real benefits to the herd. She organises annual bull fertility testing, identifying underperforming animals and protecting herd productivity. Her quick action in detecting coccidiosis within calves ensured fast veterinary treatment and prevented losses. Alongside hands-on stock work, her organisation and efficiency in record-keeping, Red Tractor compliance, and vet coordination have strengthened farm operations.
Having started as a trainee on work experience, Takara continues to learn closely with the farm's vets, developing her knowledge and skills to become a highly respected herd manager.
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Andrew Pugh - Shropshire鈥�
With nearly 50 years of farming experience, Andrew Pugh is described by his colleagues as the "main cog" at Partridge Farm, part of the Linley Estate in Shropshire. Working alongside Hattie, he helps to manage 930 hectares of organic enterprises that include a suckler herd of Stabilisers, Beef Shorthorns and Highland cattle, flocks of Shropshire and Herdwick sheep, a small herd of Large Black sows, and arable crops of organic wheat, barley, oats and rye.
Andrew's role spans every aspect of the farm – from livestock management and arable operations to mechanics and building maintenance. His versatility and deep knowledge of both the land and animals make him indispensable to the day-to-day running of the business.
He played a key role in the farm's transition to organic production in 2017, ensuring a smooth and successful conversion. He also helped adapt the breeding herd by sourcing high-quality Beef Shorthorns to align with the farm's ethos.
Respected for his calm stockmanship, Andrew is said to have an almost 'whispering' ability with animals, handling them with skill and without fuss. His dedication, care, and wide-ranging skills have saved the business significant costs, while his guidance has shaped the learning of countless colleagues over the years.
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.
