A FARMER who changed the way he manages the land to beat the North-East weather has been named the best in Britain.

County Durham farmer Richard Suddes has been named the UK’s Soil Farmer of the Year.

Mr Suddes, who runs a1200-acre mixed cattle and arable farm at Cornsay, near Durham, changed his farming system nine years ago to combat harsh weather and ground conditions and put more emphasis on soil management.

South Farm undersows crops with clover and maximises the use of livestock manure to build healthier soil.

He said: “This is a fantastic award and we’re delighted that the hard work of all who work on the farm has been recognised, against high quality entrants from across the UK”.

Competition organiser Jonathan Smith said: “It is fantastic to see such amazing farmers sharing their soil management stories.”

Mr Suddes will host a free farm walk on Wednesday, July 5 from 6pm to 8.30pm, when he will also be presented with his prize by competition sponsor, Cotswold Seeds.

The walk will give people the chance to see his award-winning methods.

  • To book a place, call Becky on 07875 356611 or email becky.willson@farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk.