Meet the Lancashire 9-year-old who is quickly rising to the top of farming
A star of the future.
A nine-year-old from Lancashire has landed one of farming’s top awards.
Edie King, who has been brought up on the family farm in Colne, has been named Junior Young Handler of the Year (6-10 years) at the Young British Farming Awards 2026.
Passionate about sheep from an early age, Edie has been described as “combining natural talent in the show ring with impressive hands-on stockmanship.”
A two-time Young British Farming Awards finalist, she puts huge effort into preparing her sheep, beginning at lambing time when she selects her summer show team. She takes responsibility for washing, carding, trimming and whitening each animal, ensuring they are presented to the highest standard. Her dedication has already earned her numerous championships, rosettes and newspaper features.
Away from the show ring, Edie plays an active role in the day-to-day management of the family flock, helping with everything from lambing and flock health to breeding decisions and farm safety.
She takes responsibility for clean water troughs and well-bedded pens, while helping with worming, vitamins, dipping, clipping and foot care. She also takes an active interest in genetics, helping select suitable tups to improve future generations.
Judges said: “With a keen understanding of her land, livestock and farm safety, Edie is developing the knowledge and confidence to become a talented stockwoman for the future.”
Her resilience has also shone through during difficult times. Following her grandfather's diagnosis with advanced cancer, Edie chose to sell one of her best lambs for charity, raising almost £3,000 to support prostate cancer awareness and encourage earlier diagnosis.