The TFA is proud to congratulate member Joe Lyall on being named Farmers Weekly’s 2026 Young Farmer of the Year.
Joe farms with his family at High Oaks Farm in Cumbria. The judges said: “Joe has a razor sharp understanding of both the opportunities and challenges of milk production, tackling everything strategically and finding innovative ways to grow the financial potential of the herd and land base.”
At just 22, and before he had even graduated from university, Joe secured the strongest possible milk price for the family business, adding around £30,000 a year to the farm’s income. High standards of animal welfare and nutrition sit at the heart of the Lyalls’ system and Joe saw the opportunity for the business to be rewarded for these qualities through its milk contract with Aldi. In July 2026, the business also joined Arla’s Welfare Pro scheme and the farm has installed cameras in its calving sheds and humidity sensors in the main cubicle housing.
Joe is now focused on his next challenge, which is producing a greater proportion of milk from forage. The farm has also delivered environmental improvements through a Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreement and a partnership with water company United Utilities and Eden Rivers Trust, with a Sustainable Farming Incentive application including clover reseeds, cover crops and buffer strips expected to start in November.
Despite his success, Joe is keen to recognise the people around him. He describes his father as an exceptional stockman and is clear that a modern farm cannot be run by one person alone: “You can’t run a modern farm without a team.”
Joe said: “It’s a real honour to be selected as Young Farmer of the Year. I wouldn’t be in this position without the advice and guidance of my family and the whole farm team, who have encouraged me to take greater responsibility in the business and to seize every opportunity that came my way. I hope to pay that mentorship back over the next few years as I continue to help drive our farm forwards.”
TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn said: “We are delighted for Joe and his family. This is a richly deserved win. He is a real credit to the dairy sector and we are very proud to have him as a TFA member.”
The TFA joins Joe’s family and friends in wishing him many congratulations.
This news article was written TFA Communications and Events Coordinator, Julia Meadows.
Related articles:
Read the full Farmers Weekly profile of Joe Lyall here.
