The choir was honoured to be awarded this prestigious accolade at the Farmers Weekly Awards by Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers Union.
Here is his speech in full.
It is my great pleasure to be with you tonight, where we celebrate and recognise the very best of British agriculture. As all of you in the room know, farming is often about much more than food production, and as we have seen tonight, it's about the people behind our farms, our families, and our rural communities.
Sometimes the greatest champions are those who help others at the toughest of times. This year's winners have done just that through the power of friendship and shared experience, they have shone a light on one of the biggest challenges facing our industry today: rural mental health.
They have helped start conversations that many people find difficult, creating opportunities for rural farmers and rural communities to come together, supporting one another, and know that they are not alone. We all know that this year has been tough, a brutal year for many, and at a time when so many in agriculture face challenge, pressure, and at times isolation. Their message has been one of hope, of connection, and belonging.
Tonight's winners have shown that strength is not about struggling in silence, but about reaching out and supporting each other. They have demonstrated the power of community even in the toughest of times. What makes their achievement even more remarkable is that this is not a one-off campaign or a moment in the spotlight. They continue to champion mental well-being across the countryside, using their platform to raise awareness, tackle stigma, and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
Their commitment to making a lasting difference exemplifies the very best of farming and our rural communities.
The NFU Farming Champions Award celebrates those who go above and beyond, whose contribution extends far beyond their own businesses, and whose actions make our industry stronger. Tonight, we recognise a group of people who have touched lives, raised the profile of farming, and reminded us of the importance of looking after one another: The Hawkstone Farmers Choir