Meet the finalists of the Young Farmer of the Year Award 2025. Judges have interviewed all five of our finalists and will reveal the winner and runner up at our awards ceremony in November.
Warwickshire
Brad works on a 1,200-acre mixed dairy and arable farm, while also helping run his family’s fifth-generation 75-acre farm with 120 sheep and a public-facing distillery. An active member of the Kenilworth Show committee, he regularly engages with visitors to champion British farming. A strong advocate for farm safety, Brad leads by example –demonstrating best practice and challenging unsafe behaviour when necessary. As Vice Chair of his club, he fosters teamwork and makes sure everyone feels involved in activities. Though modest about his role as a farming ambassador, Brad is dedicated to promoting British agriculture through his work every day, always aiming to present it in the best possible light.
Glamorgan
Ethan Brook, who comes from a non-farming background, has built a successful career in agriculture through determination and passion. Starting at age 12 helping on a local farm, he developed an early interest in machinery before discovering a love for livestock. After completing an agricultural apprenticeship on a dairy farm, he worked as a general farm worker at Bowendu Herefords, particularly focusing on show and sale preparation – a role that sparked his commitment to promoting pedigree herds. Ethan highlights the vital but often unseen role pedigree cattle play in food production. He supports safe livestock handling techniques, biosecurity measures, and welfare-focused management. Now a livestock contractor, his dedication has earned him selection as one of just five UK representatives for the 2025 World Hereford Conference in the USA, following a rigorous national selection process.
Leicestershire & Rutland
At just 16, Jess is already a standout voice for British agriculture. She works on her family’s farm in Eaton, carrying out tasks such as corn-carting, cattle handling and hedgerow planting – all to the highest safety standards, encouraging her peers to adopt a safety-first approach. A passionate ambassador, Jess uses both local and national platforms to promote safe, sustainable farming and British produce, speaking at rallies and Westminster, and winning the Sydney Forsyth Trophy for her speech at the NFYFC AGM. As County Youth Coordinator, she creates inclusive, supportive spaces for young members, organising training days and events that build confidence and wellbeing. Whether on the farm or in front of a crowd, Jess represents young farmers with pride and authenticity and has her sights set on being a future Minister for Agriculture.
Staffordshire
As an NFU Student and Young Farmer Ambassador, Magnus champions British agriculture through media, social media, and public events – promoting safe, sustainable farming and helping bridge the gap between farmers and the public. Magnus has written for NFU Farmer & Grower, Student Farmer, and Farmers Guardian on topics from robotic milking to business resilience, and met MPs to discuss key policy issues. On his family’s dairy farm, they prioritise safety – particularly in livestock work – and he supports mental health initiatives such as Yellow Wellies’ Mind Your Head campaign. Through Instagram and LinkedIn profiles, Magnus shares daily farming life and innovation. Balancing university with farm work, he aims to inspire and equip young farmers to meet future industry challenges.
Lancashire
William plays an active role on his family’s 90-acre farm in Pendleton, alongside studying and his apprenticeship working as an agricultural mechanic. When a contractor suffered a heart attack on the farm, William acted quickly, performing CPR and calling emergency services. Determined to improve preparedness, he organised CPR training with the North West Ambulance Service for 70 YFC members and introduced opportunities for Lancashire YFC members to gain first aid qualifications. He extended training to parents and neighbouring clubs, believing that “even if it helps one person, it will be worth it.” William also nominated the Farm Safety Foundation as the club’s charity of the year. A proud ambassador for British farming, he promotes mental wellbeing and encourages an open, respectful environment at club events.