A farmer near Ripon has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award after transforming the way his family farm operates.
James Johnson, who runs Mallard Grange Farm alongside his father Charles, is a finalist in the Regenerative Farmer of the Year category at the 2026 British Farming Awards.
The farm, located three miles west of Ripon, has been run by the Johnson family since 1933.
James has spent the past seven years developing a more resilient farming business by improving soil health, reducing the use of fertiliser and other external inputs, and changing how crops and livestock are managed.
Mallard Grange includes around 200 acres of arable crops and 540 acres of predominantly grass-based land. It is home to 140 suckler breeding cattle, 400 lowland breeding ewes and 900 pasture-raised laying hens.
James began reconsidering the farm’s conventional approach following the exceptionally wet autumn of 2019 and dry spring of 2020.
Supported by a Yorkshire Agricultural Society bursary, he attended agricultural events and learned from regenerative farmers across the country.
Mallard Grange has since introduced grazing systems which give areas of grassland longer periods to rest and recover.
Diverse herbal leys and cover crops have also been planted to encourage deeper roots, improve soil structure and increase biological activity.
The farm has moved towards lower-input cattle and sheep which are better suited to living on grass and forage. This has supported outdoor lambing and reduced the need for additional feed and treatments.
Worming products are no longer used on its cattle, while their use has been substantially reduced across the sheep flock.
The farm’s hens follow grazing livestock in mobile units, naturally fertilising the land and helping to control flies and ticks.
James said:
“We are still learning and adapting, but seeing wildlife return while building a stronger farming business has been incredibly rewarding.
“Being shortlisted for Regenerative Farmer of the Year is a proud moment for everyone involved at Mallard Grange.”
The changes have helped the land cope better with heavy rainfall and prolonged dry periods, allowing livestock to remain outdoors for longer.
The farm has also recorded greater numbers of insects and farmland birds, including the first successful hatching of English partridge chicks at Mallard Grange.
Mallard Grange has been a member of Farm Stay UK for more than 30 years and offers self-catering and bed and breakfast accommodation.
David Brown, director of Farm Stay UK, said:
“James’s work demonstrates how regenerative agriculture can strengthen a family farm while delivering clear benefits for its soil, livestock and wildlife.
“It is fantastic to see the family’s continued commitment to farming recognised nationally. Everyone at Farm Stay wishes James and the team the very best for the final.”
The British Farming Awards are organised by Farmers Guardian and recognise the innovation, resilience and positive impact of farmers and agricultural businesses across the UK.
The winners will be announced at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 15th October.
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