51AVÊÓƵ

For fourteen 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.ÌýÌý

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The 2026 Arable Farmer of the Year finalists have been selected because the judges recognised their ongoing versatility and ability to navigate fluctuating commodity prices, unpredictable weather and evolving legislation, while continuing to achieve a profitable, sustainable business.

Each finalist has made key changes to improve their farm, exploring new possibilities to help safeguard their businesses whether that be through progressive, environmental or more collaborative approaches, regardless of the farm size.ÌýÌý

Finalists for the Arable Farmer of the Year award, sponsored by RibenaÌýÌý

Russ McKenzie, Cambridgeshire  Ìý

Cambridgeshire farmer Russ McKenzie is combining regenerative agriculture with a determination to maintain high-performing crops at Howson's Lodge, where he farms 140 hectares on moisture-retentive heavy clay.Ìý

Growing wheat, oilseed rape, beans and oats alongside spring and Wildfarmed wheat, Russ has used cover and catch crops and direct drilling for more than a decade, while retaining strategic cultivation where needed to tackle compaction and weeds. The results include a five-year average winter wheat yield of 11.06t/ha, with 12t/ha achieved from just 180kg/ha of nitrogen.Ìý

A major focus has been improving nutrient efficiency. Trials comparing conventional DAP applications with foliar approaches to phosphate have shown comparable or better results at a fraction of the cost, while cover crops are capturing around 35-40kg of nitrogen. Russ is also exploring biostimulants and technologies that can improve plant health and reduce input requirements.Ìý

The farm hosts extensive trials comparing varieties, establishment systems, fungicide programmes and nutrition, providing valuable insight into what works in different conditions. In drier seasons, direct-drilled crops have outperformed conventionally established crops by more than 1t/ha. With reduced cultivations cutting fuel use and premium markets strengthening returns, Russ is demonstrating how innovation can improve both sustainability and profitability.Ìý

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Philip Rowbottom, West Yorkshire  Ìý

West Yorkshire farmer Philip Rowbottom is taking a determined, soil-first approach to arable farming at his 135-hectare Mount Farm, using minimal soil disturbance and year-round living roots to build a more resilient system.Ìý

Growing wheat, beans, spring barley, oats and cover crops including vetch, phacelia and buckwheat, Philip has embraced direct drilling and avoids ploughing on his stony soils. By keeping roots in the ground and avoiding bare soil, he has seen an abundance of earthworms return after five years, while academic research has highlighted the exceptional biodiversity within his soils.Ìý

Philip's approach is driven by a willingness to challenge convention and continually experiment. Some crops are now grown without fungicide, while he is exploring ways to harness nutrients within the soil to protect crops and reduce reliance on pesticides. The changes have also delivered practical benefits, including fuel and time savings, with diesel use reduced by around £40/ha.Ìý

Beyond the farm gate, Philip operates an 800-tonne grain store, including oats for United Oats, providing local storage that helps reduce transport requirements. Managed alongside his wife, with their son running the grain store, Philip is focused on building healthy soils, a viable business and a lasting family farming legacy.

MORE ON ARABLE: Elveden Estate trial: Regenerative farming boosts soil health but challenges sugar beet yields

Joshua Wright, East Yorkshire  Ìý

As 51AVÊÓƵManager at Bishop Burton College in East Yorkshire, Joshua Wright is combining commercial arable production with innovation and education, creating a system designed to be productive, resilient and fit for the future.Ìý

Managing 300 hectares, including 150ha of arable land, Joshua has driven a shift towards lower-disturbance cultivation, cover cropping and improved rotations to build soil health, increase organic matter and reduce reliance on inputs. Data-led nutrient management and targeted applications are helping improve efficiency, while SFI and environmental schemes are integrated into the wider farming system.Ìý

One of the business's key challenges is black-grass, particularly as cultivation intensity is reduced. Joshua has adopted a zero-tolerance approach, supported by AI-enabled spot-spraying technology that identifies and targets individual weeds. The technology is helping maintain control while reducing blanket herbicide applications.Ìý

Crucially, innovation at Bishop Burton extends beyond the farm itself. Students are actively involved in crop establishment, machinery operation, monitoring and agronomic decision-making, gaining hands-on experience of a commercial enterprise while learning why farming systems are evolving.Ìý

By combining precision technology, soil-focused farming and knowledge transfer, Joshua is helping create a more efficient and sustainable arable business while equipping the next generation with the skills needed to meet the challenges ahead.Ìý

ARABLE INSIGHTS: Is rotational thinking key to managing take-all risk?

to celebrate with the finalists at The British Farming Awards on October 15 at VOX in Birmingham.