news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [32]
Business

North Yorkshire farmer wins regenerative farming award

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

James Johnson has won Regenerative Farmer of the Year at the 2026 British Farming Awards for transforming Mallard Grange Farm near Ripon. The award ceremony was held at The Vox, NEC Birmingham, on 15 October. The prize recognised Mr Johnson's work to cut fertiliser use, improve soil health and bring wildlife back.

The Johnson family has farmed Mallard Grange for more than 90 years, combining arable crops with cattle, sheep and pasture-raised hens. Mr Johnson began changing the farm's approach after a wet autumn in 2019 and a dry spring in 2020 exposed weaknesses in the existing system. Over seven years, the farm has adopted regenerative methods including adaptive multi-paddock grazing, herbal leys, cover crops and direct drilling.

The changes have improved soil structure, cut reliance on outside inputs and helped the farm withstand extreme weather. Insect and farmland bird numbers have risen, and the farm recorded its first successful hatching of English partridge chicks. Mr Johnson said: 'Seeing the land become more resilient and wildlife return, while building a stronger farming business for the future, has been incredibly rewarding.'

North Yorkshire farmer wins regenerative farming award
Image: Darlington & Stockton Times

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: James Johnson · Charles Johnson · Mallard Grange Farm · Ripon · North Yorkshire · British Farming Awards

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem