A total of 13 outstanding women have been honoured at the National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026, celebrating excellence, leadership and innovation across the UK farming sector.
Held on Tuesday 5 May at the prestigious De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, the black-tie event brought together leaders from across food and farming to recognise the vital contribution women make to the industry.
Now in its third year, the awards continue to shine a spotlight on the breadth of talent across agriculture, from farm businesses and supply chains to education, sustainability and innovation.
Winners were selected from a highly competitive shortlist, reflecting the growing strength and visibility of women across the sector.
The winners are:
Lifetime Achievement Award: Christine Tacon
Farming Woman of the Year: Milly Fyfe
Agricultural Ambassador of the Year: Kate Rowell (Highly Commended: Sarah Juggins)
Rising Star of the Year: Emma Chapelhow
Agricultural Influencer of the Year: Hannah Jackson
Agricultural Machinery Engineer: Shannon Howe
Business of the Year: CXCS Group
Innovator of the Year: Caroline Wellon
Supply Chain Woman of the Year: Lauren Hladun
Agricultural Advisor of the Year: Dawn Bowness
Sustainability Champion of the Year: Cora Cooper (Highly Commended: Emily Marshall)
Trade Organisation Woman of the Year: Caroline Millar
Training & Education Woman of the Year: Kate Mason
The awards are organised by Mark Allen Group and supported by a range of leading industry sponsors. Principal Sponsor Nestlé UK & Ireland was joined by event sponsors Co-op, HSBC UK, NFU and Noble Foods, with Rumenco supporting as wine sponsor.
Chloe Ryan, chair of the judging panel, opened the evening by reflecting on both the exceptional quality of entries and the growing momentum behind women in agriculture:
“Year on year, we are seeing not just incredible talent, but real leadership shaping the future of this industry. The standard of entries was genuinely outstanding, with many applicants balancing innovation and business success alongside significant personal challenges.
“What’s particularly encouraging is the ripple effect this creates. When women step forward and lead, it helps others see what’s possible. That visibility is incredibly powerful, and it’s something these awards are proud to champion.
“We’re also seeing a real appetite for connection and support beyond the awards themselves. The Women in Agriculture network we launched this year has already brought together many women to share knowledge, experiences and opportunities. It’s clear this community has a strong and exciting future.”
The 2026 judging panel was chaired by Chloe Ryan and included Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Minette Batters, Judith Batchelar, Sarah Dean, Barbara Bray, Grace O’Dwyer, Sophie Throup and Catherine Cooper, each bringing extensive experience from across the food and farming sectors.
The evening was hosted by comedian Lucy Porter, with guests celebrating long into the night.
A spokesperson for principal sponsor Nestlé UK & Ireland said: “We are proud to continue supporting these awards, which recognise the incredible contribution women make across UK agriculture. Their innovation, resilience and leadership are essential to the future of food and farming.”
