A farmer from the Lizard Peninsula is a finalist for the 2024 Sustainable Farmer of the Year.

For twelve years, the British Farming Awards 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.

The 2024 Sustainable Farmer of the Year finalists have all been selected because of their unparalleled devotion to safeguarding the land for future generations. These finalists are embracing sustainable farming practices which work in harmony with the environment.

The judges noted the efforts each finalist has made to proactively reduce their carbon footprint, whether that be through exploring regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, soil health, water management, stockmanship, or renewable energy solutions.

Rosuick Farm, managed by David Oates in partnership with his father Chris, is an eighth-generation mixed organic farm located on the Lizard Peninsula.

Spanning 500 hectares, the farm is centred around a herd of Pedigree Welsh Black cattle and Clun Forest sheep, which play a crucial role in managing and creating natural habitats such as lowland heathland and species-rich grasslands.

The farm has also integrated heritage grains and alternative crops, increasing food production while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable land management practices.

David’s approach emphasises the protection and enhancement of the farm's natural resources. This includes large-scale woodland pasture and silvo-arable tree planting, which contributes to carbon sequestration and biodiversity.

The farm's organic practices focus on maintaining soil health, including on-farm composting and developing liquid seaweed fertilisers in collaboration with a local company. These practices reduce the need for artificial inputs and improve long-term productivity.

Rosuick Farm also minimises its environmental footprint by reducing fossil fuel use, it has done this by changing machinery and tillage practices, opting for baled hay instead of silage wrapped in plastic.

Similarly, David has installed solar-powered boreholes to provide water across multiple sites, and solar panels to generate electricity, contributing to the farm’s energy self-sufficiency. David is also experimenting with plastic-free alternatives for baling twine, moving toward a completely plastic-free operation.

Diversification is key to the farm's success, with additional income streams from weddings, events, educational visits, and consultancy services. These activities not only support financial stability but also promote environmentally friendly practices.

David is committed to balancing environmental stewardship with economic viability. He is involved in collaborative projects with other farmers and businesses, exploring private finance models to support environmental enhancements.

Looking ahead, David aims to ensure that Rosuick Farm remains profitable, sustainable, and a place where future generations can thrive, demonstrating how farming can evolve to meet future challenges while preserving the environment.

Taking place on October 17 at The VOX in Birmingham, the awards ceremony will welcome industry professionals from across the country to celebrate British agriculture and the successes it has had this year.