What is the Farming for the Future Award?

This category celebrates farmers who are doing things differently — people who are not simply responding to change but who are driving it. The judges are looking for evidence of long-term thinking, environmental stewardship, innovation, knowledge-sharing, and genuine commitment to making farming sustainable for generations to come.

It is not about scale or spectacle. It is about vision, consistency, and the courage to try new approaches before they become fashionable. Richard Kane embodies all of this.

A lifetime of forward-thinking farming

Richard came home to farm with his father in 1997, armed with an HND in Business and Finance from Manchester Metropolitan University and a BSc in Agri-Business Management and Marketing from Newcastle University. He also holds a BASIS qualification in Agronomy, which he continues to develop. From the outset, he was determined to do things differently.

Pioneering sustainable techniques

Richard was among the first farmers in Northern Ireland to adopt minimum tillage techniques — establishing crops without ploughing — at a time when the practice was little-known and poorly understood in the region. He trialled different cover crop mixtures to preserve soil structure and naturally fertilise the ground, and has since moved on to applying composts and manures to continually build soil health and fertility. These are now widely regarded as essential practices for sustainable arable farming.

A record of genuine firsts

Opening the farm gates to others

What sets Richard apart from many innovators is his genuine desire to share what he has learnt. He has consistently welcomed young farmers and experienced farmers alike to the farm to see new techniques and machinery in action — not to show off, but to educate and inspire.

He is a long-standing member of the Ulster Farmers Union Seeds and Cereals Committee, having served for 25 years, and was Chair of the Ulster Arable Society in 2007. These are not token roles — they reflect a sustained commitment to the wider farming community over decades.

Richard also opens the farm for charitable events, giving his time freely and without fanfare.

What to include in your nomination

A strong nomination tells a story. The judges read hundreds of entries, so the more specific and personal yours is, the better. Here is what we suggest you include when nominating Richard for the Farming for the Future Award:

• His pioneering spirit: Mention that he was one of the first in Northern Ireland to adopt min-till cultivation and cover cropping, and that he established NI's first on-farm biodiesel business. These are genuine firsts that show long-term, forward-thinking commitment.
• His approach to soil health and the environment: Cover crops, compost, manures, seaweed-based inputs in potato growing — his environmental record is consistent and spans decades, not just recent years.
• Diversification and resilience: From rapeseed oil and biodiesel to carrots and potatoes, Richard has consistently evolved the farm's output to ensure its long-term sustainability. Mention Broighter Gold as a specific example of how farm diversification can produce a nationally recognised food brand.
• Knowledge sharing and education: His openness in welcoming other farmers — young and experienced — to learn from what he does is a vital part of his contribution to the industry. This is what "farming for the future" really means.
• His contribution to the wider industry: 25 years on the UFU Seeds and Cereals Committee, Chair of the Ulster Arable Society, hosting AHDB national variety trials — his influence extends far beyond his own farm gate.
• National recognition: The visit from The King and Queen to the farm in 2025, and The Queen opening Broighter Gold's new facilities, is a powerful detail that speaks for itself.
• Your personal connection: If you have seen Richard's work first-hand — visited the farm, benefited from his knowledge, or been inspired by what he does — say so. Personal testimony carries real weight.