Devon’s Bev Brown named South West Farming Ambassador of the Year 2025

Bev Brown, a leading figure in agricultural education across Devon, has been crowned South West Farming Ambassador of the Year 2025. The award was presented at a ceremony in Taunton last week, recognising her exceptional contribution to helping young people understand the importance of farming and the countryside.

Brown, who grew up on a hill farm on Dartmoor, has long been rooted in the rural life she now champions. Though her early career took her to London and into the shipping industry, her connection to agriculture remained strong.

She joined Farmwise three years ago as events manager, a role that has placed her at the heart of some of the county’s most successful educational outreach initiatives. Under her stewardship, Farmwise has introduced thousands of Devon children to the story of where their food comes from.

Among the programme’s highlights are the Farmwise School Days at Westpoint, which each year attract more than 1,500 pupils, 200 teachers and 40 schools. At the Devon County Show, Farmwise’s interactive children’s farms draw over 10,000 young visitors annually.

Brown has also overseen 35 school visits, seven agricultural show appearances, and the launch of the Farmwise mobile unit, broadening the initiative’s reach into more communities and classrooms across the county.

Speaking after receiving her award, Brown said:

“What an honour to receive this award! Farmwise is such an important initiative, educating children about farming, food, and the countryside. Seeing the smiles on their faces when they meet the animals and make those connections makes all the hard work worthwhile.
“I couldn’t do this without the incredible volunteers, the Farms Estates tenant farmers who offer their time for free and industry partners who bring these events to life.”

Farmwise is supported by Devon County Council and the Devon County Agricultural Association, with sponsors including the Devon Farmers Benevolent Fund, Dartington Cattle Breeding Trust, Aviagent UK Ltd, 2Agriculture Ltd, the Devon Food Partnership and Mole Valley Farmers.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, praised Brown’s achievement:

“We all feel very proud of Bev. She has been a great ambassador for Farmwise in particular, but also very much so for farming, food production and Devon’s countryside as a whole.
“This recognition is richly deserved and it’s down to her hard work, enthusiasm and dedication that helps make Farmwise such a success.”