Baroness Batters picks up top award for industry service

Former NFU president and now crossbench peer Minette Batters has been honoured by Royal Agricultural Society of England (Rase) with its National Agricultural Award, in recognition of her “inspirational” leadership.

The award was one of six presented at the annual Rase awards day, held this year at Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire.

See also: FW Awards 2024 – Environmental Champion of the Year finalists

In his citation, Andrew Wraith, head of food and farming at land agents Savills, described how Minette, now Baroness Batters of Downton, had risen from Wiltshire county chair to NFU president in 2018 – a position she held for three consecutive two-year terms.

“Minette has been a positive force within the agricultural industry, championing the needs of all sectors, pulling the industry together to challenge the supply chain for the benefit of all,” he said.

“Her honest, hands-on approach to the leadership of the NFU for the last six years has been commendable and unwavering, despite the challenges of Covid, Brexit and market pressures.

“She has been an inspiration with a lasting legacy.”

Rase chief executive David Grint described Minette as a “positive force” for agriculture, and commended her “honest, hands-on approach” to the leadership of the NFU.

Gold medal

Another award went to Lord Hertford, who won the Bledisloe Gold Medal for Landowners, in recognition of his “outstanding achievements” in the management and development of the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire.

Lord Hertford has been custodian of the estate since 1991, where he has made significant changes focused on long-term sustainability and profitability.

Rase head of events Alice Bell described how the estate included a 1416ha (3,500-acre) Leaf Marque demonstration farm, as well as parkland, ancient woodlands, residential properties and commercial business units.

“Changes include a move to regenerative farming techniques; investment in a grain handling system which reduced fuel requirements by 29%; use of food waste digestate on crops; rainwater harvesting; and installation of ground source heat pumps and biomass heating,” she said.

Ms Bell added that the estate welcomes over 220,000 visitors a year, and is actively involved in education.

“Lord Hertford has led his team at Ragley with a clear objective of developing long-term, financially successful businesses across the estate, with a focus on the environment and community at the heart.”

Ross Simpson (Burges Salmon) (left), Lord Hertford (centre), Alice Bell, Rase (right) © Rase