Celebrating sustainable beef farming practices
Sam Squiers, who runs Humphreys Farm, is the recipient of the 2023 VetPartners sustainable beef farmer of the year award.
Mr Squiers was nominated for the award by his vet, Mia Ellis, from Westpoint Farm Vets in Chelmsford.
He has 50 native Aberdeen Angus and Wagyu breeding females and sells this beef directly through his farm shop and online.
In her nomination, she praised Mr. Squiers’ innovative approach to sustainable farming, noting his commitment to rotational grazing and the use of herbal leys to enhance soil quality, biodiversity, and animal health. No anthelmintics have been used on the farm for over seven years.
“Sam is also passionate about educating schoolchildren on the benefits of regenerative agriculture and is constantly seeking new ways to improve his system,” adds Mrs Ellis.
Runner up focus: Pepsal End Farm in Bedfordshire
The runner-up for the 2023 award was Jim Speirs from Pepsal End Farm in Luton, who was nominated by Hampden Farm Vets. Mr Speirs manages a herd of 100 pedigree polled Hereford cattle, integrating them with his arable enterprise to reduce inputs across his 300-acre farm.
His cattle graze extensively and are finished on grass to optimise the farm’s sustainability.
“Jim’s high-health herd is regularly tested for disease, following a robust vaccination program that includes tagging and testing for bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) as well as conducting bull breeding examinations on the 20 breeding bulls he sells annually,” says Lois Honeywell, vet tech, and approved tuberculin tester (ATT) at Hampden Farm Vets who nominated Mr Speirs.
“Jim is conscientious, forward-thinking, and hardworking, having built a sustainable beef and arable enterprise.”
Recognizing excellence in sustainable farming
Ian Cure, farm director for VetPartners, points out the significance of the VetPartners sustainable farm awards in acknowledging the critical role farmers play in delivering quality food produced to high standards.
“British farmers are leading the way, not just in animal health and welfare, but in environmental practices too.
“Soil health and animal health are intrinsically linked and are vital to helping deliver a sustainable farming future,” he says.
“With the support of their farm vet teams, both farmers are demonstrating this in abundance.”