Lee Gilbert has been crowned "Farmer of the Year 2026" at the prestigious Farmers Rural Awards, recognising an extraordinary journey from first-time landowner to the leader of a thriving and diversified farming enterprise.

For Lee, the award represents more than a personal achievement. It is recognition of over a decade of determination, resilience and a willingness to embrace an entirely new industry from the ground up.

Having purchased his first 10-acre parcel of land in 2015, Lee entered farming without a family farming background or generations of inherited knowledge to call upon. What followed was a steep learning curve, countless hours of hard work and an unwavering commitment to building a sustainable agricultural business.

Today, the enterprise has expanded to more than 230 acres, supporting 2,000 pigs, 400 head of beef cattle and significant investment in modern farm buildings and infrastructure.

Speaking following the award win, Lee said:

"Being recognised as Farmer of the Year is incredibly special. Farming hasn't always been easy and as a first-generation farmer there has been a huge amount to learn along the way. I've been fortunate to have great support around me, and this award is really a reflection of the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the business and our family."

The award adds to what has already been a remarkable year for Lee's business interests.

As Managing Director of Fowler & Gilbert, Lee recently celebrated the company's success in winning the King's Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity, one of the UK's most prestigious business honours. The business has also been named Shropshire Chamber's Company of the Year and received recognition at the British Business Awards for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Lee's entrepreneurial achievements have also been recognised personally through his inclusion in the Top 250 Founders Awards, highlighting some of the country's most inspiring business leaders.

Alongside farming and Fowler & Gilbert, Lee has invested in Trent Fasteners, a fixtures and fittings business that continues to experience rapid growth. The company is preparing to double its operational footprint at its Market Drayton headquarters as demand continues to increase.

Despite balancing multiple businesses, Lee remains deeply committed to the farm and the rural way of life it has created for his family.

His wife Edwina continues to run a successful design and illustration business, while daughter Trixibelle has launched her own cake baking venture from the farm, making use of eggs produced by the farm's laying hens. Meanwhile, son Linkin is following in his father's entrepreneurial footsteps, having recently joined Fowler & Gilbert as an apprentice.

Friends, colleagues and industry peers have praised Lee's ability to combine commercial success with a genuine commitment to agriculture, investment and rural enterprise.

This latest award highlights not only the success of the farming business itself but also the determination and vision that have enabled a first-generation farmer to build one of the region's most impressive modern farming enterprises in little more than a decade.

Lee reflects following the award win:

"When I bought those first 10 acres in 2015, I'd never have imagined standing here as Farmer of the Year. Farming has challenged me every day, but that's also what makes this award so meaningful. It's recognition not only of what we've built as a business, but of the commitment my whole family has made to this way of life."

As Lee and his family continue to grow their businesses and embrace new opportunities, one question remains: what next for this entrepreneurial family from Market Drayton?