Dunbia are delighted to have two of our dedicated suppliers win awards at the Annual M&S Select Farm Awards, with the awards being presented during a ceremony at this years Royal Welsh Show.
The Roderick Family – Royal Countryside Fund Family award winner
The Roderick Family, from Brecon, have been awarded the Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award at the 2025 M&S Select Farm Awards, presented at the Royal Welsh Show.
The award, presented by M&S in partnership with the Royal Countryside Fund, celebrates family farms that show an exceptional commitment to good animal welfare, sustainable practices and future generations — all while helping keep rural communities thriving.
At Newton Farm, Richard Roderick and his family run two well-managed sheep flocks and a 100-head Stabiliser suckler herd, supplying beef and lamb to M&S through Dunbia. The Rodericks stand out for their hands-on approach to animal care, thoughtful breeding choices, and the calm, well-handled livestock they raise in the heart of rural Wales.
Their flock of 1,100 ewes is split between indoor-lambing Suffolk crosses and outdoor-lambing Romneys, which are bred with Tefrom Rams chosen for easy outdoor lambing — minimising stress and ensuring lambs are born healthy and strong in the fields. Ewes lambing indoors are carefully managed in small groups, making it easier to keep a close eye day and night. Any animals needing extra help are brought in quickly for extra care.
The family’s suckler herd calves outdoors on dry ground, with calves brought in for careful supervision before returning to pasture — combining practical management with animal comfort. They also invest in genomic testing and selective breeding, ensuring healthy, productive herds and better-quality beef and lamb for M&S customers.
Importantly, the Roderick story is about succession done right: Richard’s son Tudor is now fully involved in day-to-day flock management — proving that when family farms thrive, so do rural jobs, skills and communities.
Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “The Roderick family are exactly what British farming is all about: skilled, dedicated and deeply rooted in their community. They care for their animals the right way, they think long-term, and they’re passing that knowledge on to the next generation — which is vital for the future of UK food and farming.”
Richard Roderick said: “For us, it’s simple — if you look after your animals and your land properly, they look after you in return. We’re proud to keep that approach alive as a family and it means a lot to have it recognised by M&S and the Royal Countryside Fund.”
Richard Heady – Environmental Champion Award Winner
Richard Heady, from Buckinghamshire, has been awarded the Environmental Champion Award at this year’s M&S Select Farm Awards, announced at the Royal Welsh Show.
Richard and his family run a mixed farm with 700 acres of arable crops and 300 acres of pasture for beef cattle, supplying M&S through Dunbia. Over recent years, Richard has transformed the way the farm works, putting soil health, biodiversity and carbon reduction at the heart of daily decisions.
He’s introduced regenerative practices like zero-till planting, diverse cover crops of legumes, wildflower margins and buffer strips that protect watercourses and give pollinators a boost. The farm is also part of M&S’s Soil Association Exchange project, exploring new ways to track soil improvements and share learning across the wider supply chain.
Steve McLean, Head of Agriculture and Fisheries at M&S, said: “Richard’s approach is proof that big ideas don’t just happen in labs — they happen on farm and in the field, every day. He’s showing how British beef farming can cut carbon, build healthier soils and support more wildlife, all while producing great quality food for our customers.”
Richard Heady said: “We’re proud of our beef, and we want to leave the farm better for the next generation too. It’s not about doing one big thing — it’s lots of small changes that add up, season after season. Winning this award from M&S tells us we’re on the right track.”
The M&S Select Farm Awards honour the farmers and growers who go above and beyond for quality, sustainability and care. This year’s winners were announced at the Royal Welsh Show on 21st July, highlighting the commitment behind every product on M&S shelves.