The Lakes Free Range Egg Co. presented with the RASE Farm of the Future Award
David Brass, Chief Executive Officer at The Lakes Free Range Egg Company (The Lakes) was awarded the RASE Farm of the Future Award. David and Helen Brass attended the RASE (The Royal Agricultural Society of England) Awards highlighting outstanding contributions to the agricultural industry. The six coveted awards recognise those who demonstrate strong leadership, lead the way in innovation and deliver industry best practice.
RASE Farm of the Future Award
RASE said “This award was introduced last year to ‘promote and celebrate the trailblazers of agriculture in England, whose efforts are leading the way to establish agricultural systems which are producing nutritious food, benefiting the environment and are economically sustainable’.”
The award, sponsored by The Crown Estate, was presented to David Brass in recognition of how he has demonstrated that care for the environment and adoption of new technology can work together to improve both productivity and welfare.
David Grint, CEO at RASE, said “The winners of the 2024 RASE Awards demonstrate the breadth of forms that effective leadership can take.
“From being willing to implement a novel approach on-farm and openly sharing learnings with peers, right through to speaking up for agriculture in policy and supply chain settings, each of the 2024 winners are exemplary leaders in their own right,” he says.
Accepting the award David Brass said “From day one we have always believed that reducing farm emissions, enhancing the environment, and excellence in animal welfare go hand in hand – with the added benefit of enhanced production. Across the board The Lakes team continues to look at ways to innovate, reducing the impact the business has on the environment whilst at the same time, providing food that is ethically produced to the highest standards. Our model is one that is replicable and has been widely shared across the agricultural industry, so we are honoured to receive this recognition.”
David was in esteemed entrepreneurial company, Baroness Minette Batters was presented with the National Agriculture Award in recognition of her honest, hands on approach to her leadership as President of the NFU.
Other industry awards included The Bledisloe Gold Medal, awarded to Lord Hertford for his outstanding achievements in the successful land management and development. David Miller received the Excellence in Practical Farming Award in recognition of his pioneering approach to improving soil health, Dr. Simon Griffiths from the John Innes Centre received the Science & Technology Award, in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of wheat research. Angus Gowthorpe won the Natural Capital Award, in recognition of how he has successfully built a farming operation that is not only environmentally restorative but also economically resilient.
The RASE Awards Day took place at Courteenhall Estate in Northamptonshire.
