Richard was selected following an outstanding written entry and an exceptional interview. The judges were extremely impressed by his presentation—his confidence, clarity, and engaging style all stood out, along with a natural touch of humour. They felt Richard would be an excellent ambassador for farming and the rural sector, making him a very worthy recipient of this award.

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Richard has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the agricultural sector from a young age, consistently striving for both professional and personal development. His educational journey has laid a strong foundation for his career, recently graduating from Harper Adams University with a 2:1 degree in Agriculture.

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During his placement year, Richard worked on a 100-cow dairy farm in Kent, which also included an on-site farm shop. This experience gave him valuable hands-on insight into the full farming supply chain, including milk processing and the production of cheese and yoghurt. It highlights his proactive approach to understanding modern farming systems and the consumer market.

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At home, Richard has played an integral role in managing a flock of Wiltshire Horn sheep. His involvement across all aspects of flock management, including preparing and showing livestock, has strengthened his practical animal husbandry skills.

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Richard’s leadership and technical ability are further demonstrated through his extensive involvement with Young Farmers. He has a consistent record of participation in a wide range of competitive events, including stock judging, livestock quizzes, and crop and weed identification. His leadership qualities were particularly evident during 2024–25, when he served as Chairman of Brandon and Wolston Young Farmers Club. Under his guidance, the club achieved significant success, including winning the overall rally.

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At the end of year awards, Richard secured the most points in the senior male category, winning the overall trophy. A crowning achievement in his YFC career came at county and West Midlands level, where he won the Senior Stockman title. This success led to his participation in the prestigious National Stockman of the Year competition held at Harper Adams University. Competing against the best in the country, Richard excelled—becoming the first senior from Warwickshire to win the National Stockman of the Year award in 2024.

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Beyond Young Farmers, Richard actively participates in the Lutterworth Dairy Group, further demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and industry networking. He is also the newest member of the KADAS Board, strengthening our link with the next generation of farmers.