Join us for the 2025 Emsden Award presentation (representing farming with nature), hosted by the 2024 recipient, Neil Anderson, along with a tour of his farm followed by drinks and a light supper. 

Neil's mixed farm in Kingsdown, near Sittingbourne, a 175ha holding comprising a diverse mosaic of cereal crops, wild flowers, margins, hedgerows and a suckler herd, provides a rich ecosystem befitting the recognition this award represents.

Neil’s family has been on Hare Cottage Farm since the early 1970’s. The farm was split with his brother, who successfully runs a local butcher and shop, 20 years ago.

Since then, Neil has been dedicated to nurturing the land through a focus on soil health, reduced chemical inputs, integrated pest management whilst combining this with provision of safe nesting, breeding and feeding sites for native wildlife, Neil has worked hard to manage a harmonious balance between agriculture and the natural world.

His suckler herd are fed on a grass-based system and travel less than 4 miles to the local family owned butcher. High animal welfare, low carbon footprint and food rich in nutrients are important values that Neil maintains. The native cattle herd underpin management of wild flower areas, whilst their straw dung provides farmyard manure that stimulates biological activity, increases microbial biomass and improves nutrient uptake in the following crops.
Neil welcomes knowledge and dedicates his farm business mantra to growing healthy, nutrient dense, sustainable food that also provides sustenance to wildlife. He has hosted several dung beetle workshops and bat walks, evidencing how natural cycles are thriving on his farm.

Following the tour and awards there will be a light picnic buffet where you will be able to sit and relax and enjoy the evening sun.

4pm Registration, tea and coffee
4.30pm Welcome and tour of the farm
6pm Emsden award presentation
6.15pm Drinks and light supper
7pm/7.15pm Finish.