Somerset beef farmer wins VetPartners sustainability award

Matthew Lampey, from Lower Stockham farm in Chilson, Somerset, has been announced as winner of the VetPartner's Sustainable Beef Farmer of the Year award.

Farming 100 suckler cows, mainly beef shorthorn, Matthew works alongside his father, Albert. He was nominated by his farm vet, Eogham McAlonan from FarmVets SouthWest, for his environmental achievements, improved fertility and significantly diminishing antimicrobial use.

Eoghan said: “Matthew has a keen interest in working to improve the health and performance of the herd to build long-term sustainability and resilience. As part of this ethos, he has a monthly routine visit from us. 

"We’ve worked really hard together to eradicate key endemic diseases while also focusing on how the farm’s environmental stewardship work can benefit the livestock and overall sustainability of the business. 

“Maintaining a BVD-free status is a key driver and has been achieved through rigorous tagging and testing of every calf.

“The farm’s vaccination protocols, covering Leptospirosis and clostridial diseases help protect the herd against key infections.

“Strict quarantine and testing procedures are also used for purchased bulls before they join the herd to reduce risk of introducing infectious diseases."

At the farm, Matthew has been focusing on the development of their breeding stock to reduce the costs of buying in. The Lampeys keep home-bred replacement heifers and bulls, and prioritise growth rates, temperament, and fertility to create a robust herd. 

Matthew said: “Through careful bull selection and using native breeds like Aberdeen Angus and Beef Shorthorn we’ve reduced calving difficulties, with only two cases of dystocia recorded in the past year. 

“Making stocking density improvements for youngstock, combined with the use of artificial ventilation, has also resulted in zero cases of pneumonia in 2023 and 2024 to date.

“To have a sustainable future, it has been important for us to review every part of our farming business.

“The collaborative efforts with our vets and team have helped improve productivity and welfare of the herd.

“These improvements, together with roof top solar, undertaking carbon footprint monitoring and plans to maximise soil health plans, mean we are working towards a healthy and more sustainable future for the farm!”

Runner up in the VetParter's Sustainable Beef Farmer of the Year award was John Vickers at Binleys Bridge Farm in Smeeton Westerby, Leicestershire nominated by farm vet, Jessica Swiestowska from Cross Counties Farm Vets.

Runner-up John Vickers and family. (Image: VetPartners)

Now in their third year, the VetPartner’s Sustainable Beef Farmer of the Year Award encourages vets to celebrate farm clients who are committed to improving business efficiency, environmental sustainability, enhancing livestock productivity or fostering community relationships as part of their beef production systems.

Hannah James, VetPartners head of environment, social and governance, said: “As consumer demand for environmentally responsible products grows, it is really important to recognise and celebrate the efforts of farmers to reduce the impact of livestock production on the environment whilst maintaining a sustainable business model.”