Dennington Hall Farms, near Framlingham, farmer calls on Government to renew flagship scheme

A Suffolk-based farmer who has won an award based on environmental success is calling on a flagship scheme to be renewed.

Ryan McCormack, farm manager at Dennington Hall Farms, near Framlingham, has called on the Government to reopen the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which paid farmers to implement green practices.

Mr McCormack credited the scheme with the 1,600 hectare farm’s environmental success, with him being named 2025 Farmers Weekly Farm Manager of the Year.

This follows a campaign from the National Farmers’ Union, which saw a one-year extension of Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreements, set for thousands of farmers.

Mr McCormack said uncertainty remained over the SFI’s future, which could threaten future environmental work.

He said: “I’m very heartened by the Countryside Stewardship announcement. It’s good news and a step in the right direction and long may it continue.

“I would love to see something more set in stone for the future.

“SFI and Countryside Stewardship are crucial to the work we do and that is the case for many other farmers. The schemes have helped us to bring huge benefits to the environment.

“We have highlighted this to MPs and the Government needs to help us continue this great environmental work.

“Without the funding, and with the huge pressures farmers are facing, many will just have to do whatever they can to survive and much of this positive environmental work could discontinue.”

Dennington Hall Farms is home to more than 1,000 species of insect as well as 12 types of bird.

It also features 1,200 hectares of regenerative arable land, which grows wheat, barley and oats.

When he secured his award, judges praised Mr McCormack for his focus on air, water and soil quality, which support efforts to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Mr McCormack and his team also support a wide array of animals and are campaigning to save the turtle dove.

He moved from Northern Ireland aged 18, originally working in Kent before moving to Suffolk in 2022.

Mr McCormack added: “There are some great older farmers, with invaluable experience I have also seen a fresh enthusiasm from younger farmers.

“The industry is changing. There are a wide range of exciting career opportunities in farming, working with the latest technologies and being at the forefront of the latest innovations to support the environment and improve efficiency, while working outdoors in beautiful parts of the countryside.”