The Woolly Pig Company, based in Scotland, has an innovative agroforestry model. Hardy Mangalitsa pigs, with a wooly looking coat, are grazed in spacious and diverse woodland enclosures that allow them to forage, root and express their natural behaviours. They’re showing that integrating pigs into suitable woodland areas can improve animal welfare, use land more efficiently and deliver environmental benefits. 

Keeping dairy cows and calves together

The Ethical Dairy, also based in Scotland, was presented with a Higher Welfare Award (Dairy Cows and Calves). Every calf born at Rainton Farm stays with its mother for up to six months rather than being separated shortly after birth, as is common practice in the dairy industry. The cows are milked once a day, with the farm sharing the milk with the calf. The herd is also 100% pasture-fed and certified organic. 

The farm's transition to this kinder way of farming has been documented in A Dairy Story, a moving and beautifully shot film.

Waitrose scores a hat trick

Waitrose picked up three awards at this year’s ceremony. The company’s Check Out Our Better Chicken campaign scooped up a Marketing Award for highlighting chicken welfare to new audiences in an engaging way, including a comedy music video created with comedian Alex Horne. The campaign celebrated Waitrose’s achievement as the first UK retailer to meet the Better Chicken Commitment (BCC) across its entire own-brand chicken range, ahead of the 2026 deadline.

Farm Animal Welfare Awards Celebrate UK Farms and Food Companies