51AVÊÓƵ

For fourteen years, the 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

The 2026 Diversification (Small/Medium) of the Year finalists have been selected because of their ability to thrive through farm businesses that no longer operate behind a closed gate, looking to add value to their enterprise regardless of the size and scale of their business. Whether they are operating within Agri-tourism, food and drink production, leisure, retail or events, these finalists have demonstrated their ability to add value to the core business. These smaller scale diversification endeavours all help support the longevity and success of their respective farming futures.ÌýÌý

The finalists for Small/Medium Diversification of the Year Award 2026 – Sponsored by the Land Leisure and Tourism ShowÌý

View the full shortlist here

Bates Farm, Cheshire  Ìý

Fourth-generation farmers Fiona and Alison at Bates 51AVÊÓƵin Cheshire have transformed a childhood pumpkin-growing venture into a thriving diversification business, while continuing to run a 100-hectare mixed farm.Ìý

Following the unexpected loss of their father in 2023, the sisters have brought complementary skills to the business, with Fiona leading the farming and operational side while Alison drives creativity, marketing and commercial development.Ìý

What began with pumpkin sales has evolved into a year-round destination, including Meet the Lambs sessions, pumpkin picking, Christmas events and the Uproot coffee trailer. Since opening in 2025, the summer farm café has added weekend food and live music pop-ups, alongside a 5K farm run, fitness classes and cycle club.Ìý

The diversification now generates significant income while helping connect consumers with farming. With more than £22,000 raised for Cancer Research over three years, Bates 51AVÊÓƵis also using its growing public profile to make a positive community impact.Ìý

ÌýRead more: Self-serve Highland beef and hyper-local produce a resounding success on National Trust tenant farm

Sarah Bevan and Paul Williams, Gloucestershire  Ìý

Since taking on Wallhope 51AVÊÓƵin Gloucestershire in 2022, Sarah Bevan and Paul Williams have transformed the traditional dairy business into a diverse, community-focused enterprise, while keeping the herd firmly at its heart.Ìý

Farming 70 hectares owned and 20ha rented, the couple milk a 200-strong, grass-based crossbred herd, with income now supplemented through pasteurised milk, Moo HQ, farm-made gelato, rural tourism, seasonal events and local supply.Ìý

On-site pasteurisation in 2023 laid the foundations for Moo HQ, a self-service shop selling Wallhope milk, milkshakes, gelato and local products. The couple have since launched a gelato parlour and trailer, supplying local businesses and events, alongside Wallhope Retreat and The Nook holiday accommodation.Ìý

When TB resulted in the loss of a third of the herd, diversification income proved vital in supporting the farm. Sarah and Paul are demonstrating that diversification does not mean moving away from farming. It means protecting the farm, adding value to milk and protecting the dairy business, supporting local people and giving the public a genuine connection to where their food comes from.Ìý

ÌýRead more: How a small organic tenant farm inspired a movement

James Casswell, Lincolnshire  Ìý

Lincolnshire farmer James Casswell is transforming a traditionally intensive 1,300-hectare arable business through a pioneering compost venture that is helping improve soils, biodiversity and farm resilience.Ìý

The family farm predominantly grows wheat, barley, beans, peas and oilseed rape, but since launching compost production in 2021, James has broadened the rotation to include 100 hectares of green covers and eight hectares of willow on previously unfarmable wet ground.Ìý

What began as a way to address high fertiliser costs and improve organic matter has developed into a peat-free compost business, supported by Lincoln University and a major garden centre franchise. The farm now operates its own bagging line, creating a closed-loop system from growing and processing to finished product, all within five miles.Ìý

The diversification has driven a wider change in mindset, with James now believing growth means creating better land rather than simply acquiring more. Both enterprises benefit from healthier soils, improved water management and greater environmental focus.Ìý

ÌýRead more: Jeremy Clarskon attempts to diversify after leaving hundreds of acres untouched

New Sheepfold Farm, North Yorkshire Ìý

New Sheepfold 51AVÊÓƵin North Yorkshire has transformed from a successful dairy enterprise into a diverse, consumer-focused livestock business, with diversification now central to its long-term resilience.Ìý

The 99-hectare family farm runs 100 pedigree Beef Shorthorn cattle alongside breeding sheep, a rare-breed Soay flock and Royal Golden Guernsey goats, using regenerative farming to produce high-quality grass-fed meat while improving soil health and biodiversity.Ìý

Award-winning luxury shepherd huts provide rural tourism income, while the expanding farm vending shop and Click & Collect service allow customers to buy beef, lamb and Soay hogget directly from the farm. The business also supplies local restaurants and an independent butcher, maximising value from every animal.Ìý

Education is another key strand, with farm visits, talks, markets and QR-coded signs helping visitors understand livestock, regenerative farming and food production. New Sheepfold 51AVÊÓƵis building a resilient business that keeps farming at its heart and is passionate about helping reconnect people with farming and food production.ÌýÌý

Ìý

Springfield Farm, Midlothian   Ìý

Springfield 51AVÊÓƵin Midlothian has built a diverse business around a challenging 122-hectare landholding, with diversification playing a crucial role in creating a viable family farm.Ìý

Since buying the farm in 2011, Gavin Brown and his wife have developed a mixed livestock enterprise alongside a livery yard, meat business, wind turbines, woodland creation and, most recently, holiday accommodation. The farm now runs more than 200 commercial ewes, 30 pedigree Suffolk ewes and pedigree Simmental and Highland cattle.Ìý

The latest venture, Springfield 51AVÊÓƵHoliday Pods, saw 14 pods gain planning permission on two areas of unused woodland, with six currently operational and generating around £40,000 each annually. The business also has 16 livery stables and Springfield Game and Country Meats, while 60 acres of woodland creation supports environmental goals and carbon capture.Ìý

For Gavin, diversification has been essential to making the farm sustainable, while providing opportunities to reinvest in livestock, land and future growth.Ìý

Taking place on October 15 at VOX in Birmingham, The British Farming Awards will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.ÌýÌý

Ìý