THE winner of the 2023 South West Farmer Award's Diversification award (sponsored by Fisher German) was Knights Care Farm.

Knights Care Farm, based at Lower Cotley Farm, Fluxton, Devon, work with secondary schools to provide alternative education to those who do not thrive in a conventional school environment.

Luke and Emily Knight from Knights Care Farm said: “We are thrilled to receive the award, linking agriculture and education is our passion.

“This award helps raise profile for more students to benefit.

“British agriculture is wonderful and so diverse, this makes our job easier to inspire students and the next generation thus promote the future farmers.”

The farm, which is a commercial livestock farm with sheep and beef cattle, also provide a daycare for individuals aged between 12 and 65 who have learning disabilities and social needs. As well as offering an alternative education and care service, Luke and Emily also run an online farm shop and have The Cattle Barn, which is a wedding and events venue.

Emily also uses her spare time to promote alternative education and consults on behalf of other farmers. In five years time, the pair hope to have a classroom on site to provide formal education as well as the alternative provision.

Unfortunately, Emily and Luke couldn't make it to our awards ceremony in November, and so we presented them with their award at the farm.