Andy Lambert, winner of the Farm Worker of the Year at the 2024 British Farming Awards, is a shining example of this commitment.
Working at Hellifield Highland Fold in North Yorkshire, Andy has played a crucial role in the farm's success, demonstrating an unwavering passion for livestock and land management. For several years, Andy assisted Robert and Wendy Phillip in managing their renowned Highland cattle enterprise.
The farm specialises in breeding pedigree Highland cattle and replacement heifers within a grass-fed system. This approach not only ensures high-quality beef supply, including a Christmas contract with Waitrose, but also supports conservation grazing on moorland, enhancing biodiversity.
READ NOW: British Farming Awards' Farming Hero Abi Reader is a formidable force for Welsh farming
Additionally, Andy's Swaledale ewes supply premium meat to high-end restaurants across the UK, further cementing his impact on the industry Andy has continuously sought to enhance his skills, completing training courses in artificial insemination and foot-trimming to improve herd health and productivity.
Attending veterinary meetings has further broadened his expertise, ensuring the welfare of the farm's livestock remains a top priority. His hands-on knowledge in breeding, fertility testing and treating lameness has significantly benefited Hellifield Highland Fold's operations. However, Andy's role became even more significant in 2020 when Robert was diagnosed with cancer. With Robert undergoing treatment and surgery, Andy took on the farm's day-to-day decision making, ensuring operations ran smoothly.
Reflecting on this period, he said: "My role on the farm became even more important, making daily decisions for Robert's business on my own and looking after the business like it was my own."
Following Robert's passing in 2024, Andy stepped up in an even greater capacity. He played a pivotal role in sorting the tenancy agreement, assisting the landlord with the farm sale and ensuring the continuation of Robert's Highland cattle business. His selfless dedication and commitment to preserving the legacy of Hellifi eld Highland Fold left an impression on the British Farming Awards judges, who described him as ‘living and breathing farming life' and as ‘a true farming hero'.
On winning the award, Andy said: "When you know what goes on behind the scenes, it means so much. It is a super evening celebrating the best in British agriculture. I just love my job, I love getting up in the morning. If people realised what went on behind the scenes, they would appreciate food does not just turn up on supermarket shelves, there is a lot that goes into it."
Andy's journey is a testament to the resilience, skill and passion required in modern farming.
Isuzu are proud to sponsor the British Farming Awards Farm Worker of the Year. As the longest-standing Japanese vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu has evolved into a global top-tier manufacturer of diesel engines and light and heavy-duty commercial vehicles.
