Agriculture recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Food and farming have been well represented in the latest King’s Birthday Honours list, intended to recognise those who have gone “above and beyond” in delivering positive change to their communities.

Well-known Scottish farmer and businessman Maitland Mackie has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to farming, business innovation and sustainability.

See also: Soil scientist leads 2026 New Year Honours for farming

Based at Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, the business includes 650ha of grass and arable, producing feed for 300 black and white Holstein milking cows.

Mackie’s ice cream production started in 1986, and last year produced over 15 million tubs, becoming the fastest growing brand in the UK market.

There is a strong emphasis on sustainability, with extensive use of solar energy, wind turbines and rainwater harvesting.

Mr Mackie, who took over the business from his father in 1998, said: “This honour is a tremendous privilege and one that reflects the efforts of many people over many years.

“What the business and farm have achieved has only been possible because of the dedication of our customers, colleagues and family, who have supported us throughout the journey.”

Sheep sector

Another well-known name on the list is Philip Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association (NSA), for services to farming and animal welfare, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Having been brought up in Bristol, Mr Stocker started off in the industry as an apprentice, before moving into the policy area with the Soil Association.

Phil Stocker © NSA

He has been chief executive of the NSA for 15 years, championing the interests of sheep farmers, promoting high standards, and ensuring the sector remains central to discussions around food production, environmental management and rural livelihoods.

In his spare time he runs a small flock of Shropshire sheep in Gloucestershire and is developing a silviculture system.

“I am humbled and delighted to have won this award,” he told Farmers Weekly. “It has made me step back and have a good think about everything I’ve worked towards over my career. It is a great honour.”

Northern Ireland

Industry figures in Northern Ireland have also been granted awards by the King, including recently-retired Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) chief executive Wesley Aston, who receives an MBE for services to agriculture.

From a family farming background in County Armagh, Mr Aston originally joined the UFU as a policy officer for pigs, poultry and fish farming, rising up the ranks to lead the organisation in 2015.

“I don’t know who nominated me, but I am very surprised, as well as pleased – mainly because agriculture and the UFU are being recognised in this way,” he said.

Another Northern Ireland farmer to receive an MBE is Robert Moore, who farms arable and Aubrac beef cattle across 160ha in County Londonderry.

“I am very flattered, it came as quite a surprise,” he told Farmers Weekly, following a soggy visit to this week’s Cereals event in Oxfordshire.

“Over the years, I’ve always had an interest in policy and the state of farming in Northern Ireland, and have been keen to help out where I can.”

This has involved detailed policy work with the UFU, sitting on various committees and strategy groups – most recently looking at how to develop the arable sector in Northern Ireland.

Wales

Former chief executive of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS), Steve Hughson, has also picked up an MBE, in his case for services to agriculture, tourism and events in Wales.

Born in Builth Wells and raised on the family beef and sheep farm, Mr Hughson had a distinguished career in the police force, before being recruited to help revitalise RWAS.

As well as sitting on the Welsh Government Visitor Economy Forum, he was elected as chair of Wales Young Farmers Clubs board of trustees in 2024.

“When I was chief executive of RWAS, I always checked the honours list to see if anybody from the field of agriculture in Wales had been recognised, so that we could celebrate their achievement,” he said.

“To now be honoured myself and by the King is the icing on the cake.”

Farming, food and nutrition recognised

Milly Fyfe © Olivia Brabbs

With a particular focus on educating the public, Northamptonshire-based farmer Milly Fyfe has been awarded an MBE for services to farmers and family nutrition.

Mrs Fyfe, who farms alongside her husband Andrew near Yelvertoft, received the honour in recognition of her work supporting farming families, improving food education and strengthening links between consumers and food producers.

She is the founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents and creator of The Countryside Kitchen, an education project based on the family’s mixed livestock and arable farm.

Opened in 2025, The Countryside Kitchen includes a classroom, a demonstration kitchen, and a community honesty shop, offering schools, families, and community groups opportunities to learn how food is produced and prepared.

Mrs Fyfe has also held several roles within the agricultural sector, including chairman of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, regional manager for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution, chief executive of the Dairy and Beef Shorthorn Cattle Society, and ambassador for both the Farming Community Network and the Farm Safety Foundation.

Responding to the award, she said: “This honour is for every farming family who continues to work tirelessly to produce food, often in the face of enormous challenges. It is for every volunteer, supporter, funder, teacher, parent and child who has been part of our journey.”