Grower praised for sustainability mindset

Cambridgeshire farmer David Felce has been named the winner of the 2025 Rawcliffe Bridge Award for Sustainability for his long-standing commitment to practical, nature-positive farming at Midloe Grange Farm.

Recognition for real-world sustainability

The award was announced at a sustainability-focused industry event and recognises David’s ability to bring farming and nature together, delivering productive crops alongside measurable environmental outcomes at Midloe Grange Farm in Huntingdonshire.

Judges praised the breadth of delivery across soil health, water catchment management, wildlife diversity and the full adoption of integrated pest management (IPM).

What stood out to the judges

• Soil & Rotation

Cropping designed to build soil health, underpinned by monitoring and continuous improvement.

• Water Stewardship

Catchment-sensitive management and protection measures embedded across the farmed area.

• Biodiversity & Habitats

Extended habitat range and new native woodland to support a wide diversity of species.

• Evidence-led Decisions

On-farm environmental monitoring and whole-farm carbon assessments guide practical changes.

• IPM at Scale

Integrated pest management embedded in day-to-day agronomy to balance risk and impact.

Innovation and enterprise

The panel highlighted David’s pioneering move into trading Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) credits, creating an income stream equivalent to previous support payments and his commitment to technology with an autonomous AgXeed tractor due to arrive on farm.

Collaboration is another hallmark: the farm’s long-running shared machinery and labour agreement with a neighbouring business demonstrates practical, low-friction ways to improve efficiency and resilience.

From Agrii advisor to mentor of future agronomists

David is a former Agrii Technical Advisor and continues to work in partnership with Agrii, helping to train and mentor the next generation of agronomists through knowledge sharing and on-farm learning.

“I’m delighted, overwhelmed and humbled. While my name is on the plate, this recognises the whole family and our team. The process has been inspiring, from application to award, and I’m excited about the connections and opportunities ahead.”  David Felce

Celebrating a strong field

Congratulations also go to joint runners-up Andrew Brown (Fairchilds, Leicestershire) and Emma and Martin Hamer (Meadowsweet Farm, Oxfordshire) a testament to the depth of sustainable farming leadership across the UK.

Learn from leaders, build your plan

If you’re developing your own sustainability roadmap, from IPM and soil health to biodiversity and environmental monitoring, our agronomists and Environmental Specialists can help translate best practice into a plan that fits your fields, rotations and markets.

Partners associated with the award include BASF, The Andersons Centre, the Country Trust and the Royal Entomological Society.