2023 FCN FarmWell Award winner

This year’s winner, chosen by the Farming Community Network, is Andrew Dellbridge. He scoops £150 in Amazon vouchers.

Andrew is a former huntsman and a gundog and sheepdog trainer, he also keeps a flock of sheep in Norfolk.

He has spent time working both with young farmers and a charity helping people affected by drug and alcohol abuse.

“I learned a lot about coping strategies and mindfulness, and this has worked really well throughout my life.

“Farmers are rubbish at talking, especially men. I thought, I’ve got the skills, and the background, so perhaps I can use this to my advantage to teach people that they matter,” he said. 

“If I can give somebody some reason to get up in the morning or to help them to like themselves better, then I’ve done a good service.

“With all the changes that we’re dealing with in farming – it is a really challenging place to be.”

Watch Andrew’s video.

2022 FCN FarmWell Award winner

The 2022 winner was Derbyshire farmer John Taylor. 

John, 34, works full-time for NFU Mutual. In his spare time he manages his own small herd and flock and works as a dry-stone walling contractor.

The CrossFit athlete trains most days and can often be found out and about at 5am, walking his collie Nell – who also features in the video – before training.

“Exercise benefits my physical and mental health,” he says. “I make sure I talk with those close to me to avoid any spirals of negativity.

“I also make sure I ask others – whether I meet them in a personal or professional capacity – if they’re OK or if they need to talk. People need people.”

Watch John’s video.