Teen with own flock of sheep wins farming award

A 14-year-old girl who has her own flock of sheep has been recognised at a ceremony celebrating the next generation of British farmers.

Macie from Dartmouth in Devon was named Young Farmers' Club Junior Member of the Year, in the under 18 category, at the Young British Farming Awards 2026.

The teenager has been involved with young farmers since she was nine - and now has her own flock of nearly 70 sheep. Judges praised her "impressive mark" on young farmers.

Macie, who became a club chairman at the age of 13, said she had "no idea" she was nominated, adding "I'm pretty sure it was my mum".

The awards celebrate young people making an outstanding contribution to agriculture across the UK and were presented at Cannon Hall Farm in South Yorkshire on 19 September.

Organisers said Macie had excelled in areas including stock judging, shearing, public speaking and field competitions".

The teenager said she had been involved with the young farmers club since the age of nine, before taking on the role of chair earlier this year.

"It's just like, a big social group, basically. You get to have a little bit of competition in between, but make really good friends along the way.

"When I first chaired a meeting, I was really nervous, but once, like, over the year, it got easier and easier as it went on."

The teenager now has her own flock, made up of nearly 70 sheep, an animal she said she "fell in love with" at the age of 10.

"I've been involved in farming ever since I was little," she said. "I also had a pet lamb called Tina that I kept and I showed her at all the shows."

Macie said she hoped to pursue a career as a vet after leaving school.

"I'm hoping to get good grades and then study at agricultural college to become a vet," she said.

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