St Ewe Free Range Eggs, based in Grampound Road and founded more than 50 years ago by the Tonks family, scooped the employer of the year title at the awards ceremony in Birmingham.
The event brought together representatives of Britain’s farming industry to celebrate a range of achievements and shine a light on the best in British farming. Pioneering farmers and industry professionals across all sectors were rewarded through categories such as technology, science, food production and sustainability.
One of the highlights of the event was the Hawkstone Farmers Choir, which has just released a new single, picking up the Farming Hero: Flying the Flag for British Agriculture award, recognising its contribution to championing British farming and raising awareness of mental health across the industry.
The Hawkstone Farmers Choir was first put together to advertise Hawkstone beer, from the brewing business co-founded by Rick and Emma Keene along with Jeremy Clarkson using barley from Cotswold farms including the broadcaster’s Diddly Squat Farm which features on television.
Reflecting on an extraordinary 12 months, choir member Katryna Shell said: “Even doing the (Hawkstone) advert in the first place was surreal, but to win Britain’s Got Talent, and now to raise awareness for what we love is amazing – to provide a voice for these people in the industry is incredibly important.”
Speaking about performing at the British Farming Awards, Katryna said: “It means more to us singing to these 900 people than any others, these are the people that voted for us.”
After receiving the employer of the year award, Bex Tonks, of St Ewe Free Range Eggs, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be around so many brilliant people, it’s an amazing industry with so many passionate and incredible people, and this award is for our team.”
A spokesperson for the awards said: “St Ewe Free Range Eggs has combined rapid growth with a strong family culture, creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
“The business employs 152 people across its farms and egg headquarters and was named one of the UK’s best medium-sized organisations to work for in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.
“Employee engagement is encouraged through annual and pulse surveys, action planning and three major team events each year.
“In 2025, St Ewe achieved a 96 per cent engagement net promoter score and 90 per cent survey response rate. Every employee receives a bonus, while new agricultural apprenticeship pathways launched in 2026 support future talent.
“Safety and psychological well-being are central, with a no-blame culture encouraging open communication and continuous improvement. Community initiatives and charitable giving extend its positive impact beyond the workplace. In 2025, St Ewe became Europe’s first egg packer to achieve B Corp certification.
“Judges praised its progressive approach, measurable success and ability to preserve family values while growing rapidly.”
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