The search for the UK’s Soil Farmer of the Year has kicked off, with entries now open for the 2024 competition.

Run by Farm Carbon Toolkit and Innovation for Agriculture, the award aims to recognise farmers leading the way in improving soil health and increasing the resilience of their farm business.

The competition, which has been running since 2015, now supports a network of farmers and growers passionate about their soil and the innovations that safeguarding it can bring to their business.

See also: Video: Soil health focus reduces cow variable costs by 40%

This year saw mixed farmer Stuart Johnson scoop the award with his farm in Northumberland, and in second place was Welsh grower Richard Anthony.

Emma Adams, senior farm carbon and soils adviser at Farm Carbon Toolkit, encourages any farmer who is prioritising the management of soil to apply.

“The competition is open to all farmers in the UK, regardless of system, enterprise or farm size,” she says.

“If the impact on soil is at the heart of your decision-making, with implemented practices driving improving soil health as part of a fully functioning farm ecosystem, this is the competition for you.”

Online application forms are available on the Farm Carbon Toolkit website and will remain open until 5 March 2024.

The winners will be announced at Groundswell 2024, with the top three farms hosting farm walks to share ideas alongside demonstrating their practices and approaches