12 hours ago
Hamilton dairy farmers win Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award at the Royal Highland Show
The award celebrates family farms that combine long-term dedication to British agriculture with forward-thinking innovation, strong values and a commitment to the next generation.
Third-generation dairy farmers from Hamilton have been named winners of the Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award at the 2025 M&S Select Farm Awards.
Stuart and Jean Currie came out on top at the event which was held during the Royal Highland Show on June 19.
Presented in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund, the award celebrates family farms that combine long-term dedication to British agriculture with forward-thinking innovation, strong values and a commitment to the next generation.
Farming has run through the Currie family for decades. Now joined by their children, Stuart and Jean continue to develop the 230-cow dairy herd with an unwavering focus on animal health, sustainability and community values.
Their recent investments – including a curtain wall ventilation system in the milking shed and a fully redesigned calf shed – have helped create healthier, more comfortable living environments for their animals. These efforts are clearly paying off: the Curries have maintained exceptionally low anti-biotic use and have achieved good results in the regular mobility scoring, reflecting their proactive approach to welfare.
Beyond this, it's their deeply personal connection to the farm and its future that stands out. Stuart Currie said: 'Our family all take our role in caring for the countryside seriously. We are proud to get this recognition from M&S and the Royal Countryside Fund.'
Steve McLean, head of agriculture and fisheries at M&S, said: 'The Currie family are an example of what responsible, resilient British farming looks like. Their care, attention to detail and long-term mindset embody everything the Select Farm Awards were created to celebrate. We're incredibly proud to recognise their work at this year's Royal Highland Show.'
Keith Halstead, executive director of The Royal Countryside Fund, added: 'I'm delighted to see the Currie family recognised with such a well-deserved award. It is a reminder of how commitment, care for the land and animals, and thoughtful investment can help build a resilient farm business. Their example offers real encouragement to other farming families who want to pass on not just a business, but a thriving, purposeful way of life to the next generation.
'As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we also want to say a massive thank you to everyone at M&S who has supported our charity since 2010, demonstrating their continuing commitment to our partnership helping farmers to build a resilient future.'
The Royal Countryside Fund, founded by HM King Charles III (then Prince of Wales), supports rural communities and family farms across the UK. M&S has been a partner of the Fund since its inception, helping to champion long-term sustainability, succession and innovation in British agriculture. The Family Farm Award recognises dairy, beef and sheep farms where dedication to welfare, the land and the future of farming are front and centre.
