Farming talent recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

The hard work and commitment of talented people working in agriculture across the UK has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The honours mark the impressive contributions and service of farmers, agricultural scientists and researchers, sector leaders and government officials.

See also: Opinion: Queen’s strong leadership has a lesson for farming

Cambridgeshire farmer Michael Sly, who is NFU Sugar board chairman, has been awarded an MBE for services to agriculture in East Anglia.

Mr Sly, chairman of English Mustard Growers, has played a pivotal role in saving English mustard production in the UK.

Congratulating Mr Sly, NFU president Minette Batters said: “Michael’s passion for farming is rivalled only by his enthusiasm to share it with the public and for more than 15 years he has hosted tens of thousands of people on his farm every year to learn about food, farming and its history in the Fens.”

Dr Margaret Hardy has received an MBE for services to the poultry sector in Northern Ireland, and Alexander Colin Dickson has also bagged an MBE, for services to horticulture in the country.

Former Defra officer Sarah Bradbury has been recognised with an MBE for services to farming and to the administration of justice.

Long-service Aylsham Show secretary Chris Self was awarded an MBE for services to agriculture and the farming community in Norfolk.

“I am extremely delighted, but completely shocked and surprised – I never expected to be honoured with an MBE,” he told North Norfolk News.

“I think it is recognition of the profile of the Aylsham Show, and not just an individual.”

Stanley Morris, chairman of the food, drink, and agriculture board at private sector economic development agency Opportunity North East, received an MBE for services to the food and drink sector in Scotland.

Ag science and research

Professor Janet Dwyer has been awarded an OBE for services to rural research. Prof Dwyer was director of the Countryside and Community Research Institute at the University of Gloucestershire between 2013 and 2021.

Dr Jenna Ross has received an OBE for services to agriculture and science. Dr Ross – a Nuffield Farming scholar, Oxford Farming Conference director and Lantra Scotland industry champion – said she was honoured to be recognised.

“I am very much looking forward to using my OBE to help positively champion our amazing industry and all it has to offer, now and in the future,” said Dr Ross, who is an award-winning scientist.

Sean Hogan, chairman of the TB Eradication Partnership, has been awarded an OBE for services to farming in Northern Ireland.

Timothy Irwin, director, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has been awarded an OBE for public service.

Derbyshire farmer Michael Seals has been recognised for his services to animal health and welfare sectors. The former chairman of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England has been awarded a CBE.

Prof Glyn Hewinson has also been recognised with a CBE for services to animal health and welfare. Prof Hewinson is Ser Cymru research chair at Aberystwyth University’s Centre of Excellence for Bovine TB for Wales, and is a former lead scientist at APHA.