Magnus Brown is a passionate advocate for British agriculture and a dedicated young farmer from Staffordshire.
His commitment to the industry, both on and off the farm, impressed the Young Farmer of the Year judges, which included TV presenter Adam Henson and NFU Deputy President David Exwood.
Growing up on his family’s dairy farm, Magnus developed an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within farming.
His work spans traditional farming practices, education, advocacy, and innovation. As an NFU Student and Young Farmer Ambassador, Magnus has spoken out on key issues affecting young people in agriculture, including politics, mental health, and sustainable farming.
He has written for NFU Farmer and Grower and Student Farmer magazines, covering topics such as robotic milking, family farms, and business resilience. He’s also featured in Farmers Guardian, urging young farmers to engage with diverse perspectives. He has been to the Houses of Parliament, where he met MPs to discuss inheritance tax reforms, and he’s hosted his local MP on his farm multiple times.
Magnus is also actively involved in the Staffordshire Agricultural Society and as one of the youngest people involved in the committee, he’s working hard to bring about change.
“I’m trying to enact change and bring more young people into the Society,” said Magnus about his efforts to bridge the gap between the society and YFC.
His social media presence serves as a platform to promote British farming, share insights from his family farm, and connect with broader audiences. Magnus is also a supporter of farm safety and mental health awareness, having contributed to the Yellow Wellies Mind Your Head campaign.
Judges praised Magnus for his “confidence and passion for agriculture,” noting that “he could have spoken for hours.” His “clear and purposeful vision” for farm safety stood out, and they admired how he uses his university experience to reach new audiences with positive messages about British food and farming.
Adam Henson said:
“It was a tough competition, and Magnus stood out because of his communication skills and particularly his positive attitude to improving and developing the culture of British farming. Congratulations.”
After recently completing his university studies in Birmingham while continuing to work on the farm, Magnus brings a unique perspective that bridges rural and urban communities. He now works an an agricultural solicitor and is part of the Tesco Future Farmer Programme with the School of Sustainable Food and Farming at Harper Adams University, furthering his commitment to sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
“I have quite a lot on my plate,” said Magnus about his many roles. “If I’m not farming, I’m studying, if I’m not studying, I’m still doing something related to farming – whether that’s young farmers or the NFU.”
Magnus is only 22 but his personality and optimism are making him a standout figure in the farming community. He believes in the power of Young Farmers’ Clubs to build life skills, influence change and create social support.
“It feels really amazing to have won. It just shows what people can do with their voice in Young Farmers [YFC]. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what background or how you’re involved in farming, or not at all – it just shows that Young Farmers is a place for everyone and you can really have a voice if you want to share it.
“I think it’s important to get out and about and use your voice to help others. I really care about the issues that face young people in agriculture and I’m not afraid to express my opinions and get them out to a national stage.”
Well done Magnus.
At just 16, Jess is already a standout voice for British agriculture. She works on her family’s farm in Eaton, carrying out tasks such as corn-carting, cattle handling and hedgerow planting – all to the highest safety standards, encouraging her peers to adopt a safety-first approach. A passionate ambassador, Jess uses both local and national platforms to promote safe, sustainable farming and British produce, speaking at rallies and Westminster, and winning the Sydney Forsyth Trophy for her speech at the NFYFC AGM.
As County Youth Coordinator, she creates inclusive, supportive spaces for young members, organising training days and events that build confidence and wellbeing. Whether on the farm or in front of a crowd, Jess represents young farmers with pride and authenticity and has her sights set on being a future Minister for Agriculture.
