Glenarm farming couple recognised with M&S Family Farm Award at Balmoral Show

James and Rachel Davison were recognised for their commitment to animal welfare, knowledge sharing and building a successful farming business from the ground up, while also helping support the future of Northern Ireland agriculture through industry leadership and education.

Based in the hills of County Antrim, the Davisons rear 2,500 calves each year for ABP and M&S. Alongside the calf enterprise, the family also looks after a flock of easy-care ewes and beef finishing and broiler enterprises.

The business is run by James and Rachel with support from one full-time and several part-time and casual members of staff. Although James is a fourth-generation farmer, the current business has largely been built by the couple themselves after they first entered farming through a shared farming agreement.

“It’s nice to be recognised and win the award,” James said. “There’s a lot of hard work that goes on in farming behind the scenes that never gets seen, so it’s great to get recognition for the effort put in.

“We’re very proud of the welfare standards we have on the farm. Welfare underpins the success of the whole business because if we rear healthy calves with good welfare, they’ll thrive and perform well, and that makes it easier for us to achieve our other goals too.”

The couple were praised for the exceptionally high welfare standards across the farm, particularly within the calf rearing enterprise where careful management, calf health and attention to detail are central to the success of the business.

Alongside running the farm, James has become heavily involved in representing younger farmers through the Ulster Farmers’ Union. He recently completed the UFU’s two-year Next Generation Committee programme and now sits on the UFU Hill Farming Committee, helping represent the interests of local hill farmers and encouraging greater young farmer involvement in the industry.

The farm has become an important demonstration unit for ABP and M&S, regularly hosting visits from students, fellow farmers and industry groups to showcase best practice in calf rearing and animal management. The family are also involved in ongoing calf nutrition and health trials aimed at improving welfare and performance outcomes.

Peter Kennedy, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “James and Rachel are a brilliant example of the passion, resilience and ambition that exists within farming in Northern Ireland. They’ve built a successful and progressive family business while also giving back to the wider industry through knowledge sharing, education and leadership. We’re delighted to recognise them with this year’s Family Farm Award.”

Áine Murray ABP, who nominated the family for the award, added: “James and Rachel consistently go above and beyond in everything they do. Their calf welfare standards are exceptional, they are always open to trialling new ideas and sharing knowledge with others, and they are fantastic ambassadors for the wider industry. They fully deserve this recognition.”

The Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award celebrates family-run farms demonstrating long-term commitment to British farming through succession, innovation and sustainability.

M&S has partnered with The Royal Countryside Fund for many years to help support resilient farming businesses and thriving rural communities.