A Leicestershire based dairy and beef farm has won the VetPartners dairy sustainability award, in recognition of the adoption of innovative approaches to farming which benefit the environment and the community, as well as making good business sense.
Marcus and Sam Hunt from Buckwell Lodge farm, near Lutterworth, were nominated for the award by their vet, Alba Moran, from Cross Counties Farm Vets.
“The Hunts were an obvious choice because they’ve always put sustainability at the root of how they farm,” says Ms Moran.
“They prioritise soil health, the strategic use of wormers and genetics, generate 85% of their electricity using a wind turbine and engage with the local community by running farm tours.”
Buckwell Lodge was one of three finalists for the award. Cockshotts Farm in Lancashire was shortlisted in recognition of the family’s active approach to incorporating nature into the business, while Harton Lodge Farm in Yorkshire was commended for implementing vaccines and management changes to reduce antibiotic use.
Hannah James, head of environmental, social and governance (ESG) at VetPartners, shares that the competition was very closely fought with over 1,000 votes in total, with farmers and vets voting online and in-person at DairyTech.
“Seeing farmers and vets come together and celebrate sustainability successes is what the award is about,” says Dr James. “Our vets work closely with their farm clients, not just to improve animal health, but to provide consultancy services to support increased productivity and long-term sustainability of their farm business.
“Often, farmers don’t get credited for the ways their hard work benefits people and the planet, so we launched the award to enable us to applaud the large strides dairy farmers are taking to produce milk sustainably.”