Tim Smith from Smith Farms near Yeovil has been named the inaugural Water Quality Farmer of the Year, recognised for integrating water quality protection throughout his commercial farm alongside major investments in manure management and a 1.3ha constructed wetland.
The new award has been established by Innovation for Agriculture to recognise farmers who are protecting and improving water quality through land management practices as part of productive commercial farming.
Richard Bramley, regional environment lead for NFU North and a member of the judging panel, says Mr. Smith demonstrated how water quality management can be integrated across the whole farm, alongside two standout schemes.
“Together with practices like cover cropping, rotation between arable and herbal leys and use of 6m margins, Tim has worked with his local water company to develop an impressive phosphate capturing scheme, which also creates habitat on the farm,” says Mr. Bramley.
The 1.3ha wetland was designed to intercept runoff and reduce phosphate entering the river running through the farm. Constructed in 2025, the wetland has been certified to remove more than 8kg of phosphorus per year.
“His sensitive approach to manure storage and management is equally outstanding in water quality management,” Mr. Bramley adds. “A new manure store has eliminated the need for farmyard manure to be stored in field heaps over winter, preventing an estimated 18kg of phosphorus a year from entering a watercourse.”
The Allerton Project and Will Oliver from A H Oliver & Son, both located in Leicestershire, were each highly commended in the award.
The judges recognised The Allerton Project for its long-standing combination of commercial farming, research and innovation. Extensive buffer strips, alongside bunded ditches, biobeds and sediment traps, are used to protect watercourses, while reduced tillage, cover crops and improved nutrient management help reduce soil and nutrient losses.
“The team at The Allerton Project have shown dedication to improving water quality through research, innovation and management of the farm’s arable and sheep enterprises,” says Mr Bramley.
“Their outreach work is exceptional, informing both farmers and policymakers on practical solutions,” he adds.
Mr. Oliver’s evidence-led approach combines detailed soil and nutrient management with precision agriculture across his arable and poultry enterprises. Regular soil, manure and crop analysis is used to inform nutrient applications, while no-till systems, cover cropping and companion cropping help improve soil structure and water infiltration.
“Will is working with his supply chain to minimise the impact from his broiler business, using data analysis and technology to optimise outputs and reduce environmental impact,” says Mr. Bramley. “He’s also taking a strategic approach to applying organic manures to his arable land, based on tested nutrient values, to optimise their benefit while avoiding over-application.”
Judge Isobel Budden from Southern Water says the three finalists demonstrated the range of practical approaches that can be used to protect water quality within commercial farming systems.
“Visiting the finalist farms was incredibly inspiring, with all three demonstrating genuine passion, innovation and a commitment to collaboration. Through their varied approaches, they highlight how successful farming businesses can work hand in hand with the protection and enhancement of water quality,” she says.
The three farms demonstrate that water quality protection does not sit separately from commercial farming. It can be integrated into decisions about soils, nutrients, livestock, infrastructure and technology across the whole farm.
Supported by Anglian Water, Portsmouth Water, Severn Trent Water, Southern Water and Wessex Water, the Water Quality Farmer of the Year Award has been established by Innovation for Agriculture to recognise and celebrate farmers protecting and improving water quality alongside food production, while sharing practical approaches that others can learn from.
The farmers were recognised at the RASE Awards Day at Cowdray Estate in Sussex on 23 September.
