Young Farmer Development Award 2026 Presented to Rob Clark at the Royal Cheshire County Show

This year’s Young Farmer Development Award was proudly presentedto Rob Clark at the 2026 Royal Cheshire County Show.

Rob has been involved in agriculture from a young age, gaininghands-on experience across several farms before focusing his career on welding and agricultural engineering. Since the age of 13, he has worked within the family business, James Clark & Son, and alongside Millward & Keeling, helping to manufacture and supply cattle handling equipment, feed barriers, and other essential products to farms across the country.

Over the years, Rob has developed a strong understandingof the agricultural industry and has become passionate about finding innovative ways to improve manufacturing processes and agricultural equipment. His dedication, practical skills, and commitment to supporting British farming through engineering excellencemade him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.

When asked what he would do with the £600 prize money, Robexplained that he plans to invest in a TIG welding course. While he is already qualified in arc and MIG welding, TIG welding would allow him to work with materials such as aluminium, opening up new opportunities within the agricultural engineering sector.

As agricultural machinery continues to evolve, Rob believesit is vital to keep pace with changing technologies and materials. Expanding his welding capabilities will enable him to repair and manufacture a wider range of equipment, helping farmers minimise downtime and keep their businesses running efficiently.

Outside of work, Rob is heavily involved with Young Farmers,where he enjoys encouraging others to get involved and pushing himself beyond his comfort zone. He is also focused on helping grow and develop the family business, with plans to join full-time in the near future. In his spare time, he is training for the ManchesterMarathon, demonstrating the same determination and commitment that he brings to his professional life.

Runners-Up 2026

2nd – Will Guy
3rd – Jack Ancell
4th – Amy Ford
5th – Hannah Reade

A huge congratulations to all of our finalists and runners-up.The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, making the judges’ decision incredibly difficult. Every finalist demonstrated enthusiasm, innovation, and a genuine passion for the future of agriculture. Their dedication highlights the strength andpotential of the next generation of rural leaders, and the future of farming is undoubtedly bright.

What is the Young Farmer Development Award?

In conjunction with Cheshire Young Farmers (CYF), the YoungFarmer Development Award (YFDA) was first introduced in 2016. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and has become a regular and much-anticipated feature of the Royal Cheshire County Show.

The award is presented at the end of the second day in theMain Ring, prior to the Cheshire Young Farmers Float Competition and, famously, before the traditional water fight!

The aim of the award is simple: to support the personal andprofessional development of young people working within agriculture and its related industries. Prize money is invested directly into training, qualifications, equipment, or initiatives that help winners progress their careers.

Previous winners have used their awards to improve farm shopproduction equipment, attend butchery and welding courses, complete sprayer training qualifications, and undertake specialist agricultural development programmes.

Applicants are asked to outline how they would use the prizemoney to further their career and, if shortlisted, attend a short informal interview with the judging panel during the Show.

The CAS Ikin Trophy

The prestigious Ikin Trophy, presented annually to the winner,has a fascinating history. Generously donated to the Cheshire Agricultural Society in 2017 by Richard Ikin, the trophy has been part of his family for many years.

Although its full history remains unknown, it bears the intriguinginscription:

“Freeman Hardy & Willis’ Prize Collie Bitch, 1894.”

Once a well-known high street footwear retailer, FreemanHardy & Willis now exists only as part of retail history, making the trophy a unique link between Britain’s rural and commercial heritage.

When Richard discovered the trophy while searching for asuitable award, he felt it was the perfect symbol to recognise and celebrate future generations working within agriculture.

About Richard Ikin MBE

In 2025, Richard Ikin was honoured to receive an MBE fromHis Majesty The King in recognition of his work as Founder of the Young Farmer Development Award and for services to Farming, Agriculture and Industry.

Richard has always emphasised that this recognition belongsnot only to him but also to the many volunteers whose dedication makes the Royal Cheshire County Show possible each year.

He believes the award reflects the collective efforts ofthe Cheshire Agricultural Society and Cheshire Young Farmers to encourage, support, and inspire young people entering the industry.

The continued success of the Young Farmer Development Awarddemonstrates the importance of investing in the next generation, helping ensure that British agriculture remains innovative, resilient, and well-equipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.