Armagh egg farmers win prestigious family farm award at Balmoral Show
A progressive family farm from Armagh has been recognised at the Balmoral Show, receiving the coveted Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award as part of the 2025 M&S Select Farm Awards.
The Compston family, who run Ratarnet Eggs, accepted the award at a special reception on the M&S show stand, which celebrates exceptional M&S Select Farms across the UK.
The award honours M&S suppliers demonstrating long-term commitment to British agriculture through succession, innovation or enterprise.
Cara and James Compston accepted the award on the day on behalf of the family – including James’ brother Matthew and his wife Diane who also manage the farm, while raising four young children between them – Sophie, Ellen, Hannah and Bobby.
Ratarnet Eggs is a growing family enterprise supplying free range eggs to M&S via Skea Eggs. The Compstons currently operate a 16,000-bird multi-tier unit, with a second identical unit under construction – a key part of their plan to future-proof the business and help strengthen local food security.
The family were recognised for their deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, animal welfare, and community-focused farming. They’ve planted trees and hedgerows around the farm to improve biodiversity and provide shelter for their hens, while actively reducing waste and monitoring energy usage. Lucerne bales are used for bird enrichment – as part of their ethos that well-cared-for animals result in better produce.
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the Compston family with this year’s Royal Countryside Fund Family Farm Award,” said Olivia Nicholson, Agriculture Manager at M&S. “They represent the best of British farming – progressive, resilient and deeply rooted in their local community. Their commitment to sustainable, high-welfare egg production is inspiring.”
Cara and James Compston said: “Farming has always been a way of life for our family, and we’re proud to build on the foundations set by James and Matthew’s parents. Winning this award means so much to us – it’s a real encouragement to keep doing what we love, and a reminder of the important role that small family farms play in feeding the nation and looking after our countryside.
“I am very happy to see the Compston family receive this very well-deserved award, recognising their outstanding work.” said Keith Halstead, Executive Director, The Royal
Countryside Fund. “The Royal Countryside Fund turns 15-years-old this year and finding ways to farm in harmony with nature is more important to the countryside now than it’s ever been. It’s exciting to see family farms like the Compstons lead the way and show that good environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand with productive farming and building a more resilient farm business.”
M&S has a longstanding partnership with The Royal Countryside Fund, which helps family farms and rural communities survive and thrive. Through this award, both organisations aim to champion the people at the heart of the countryside and the values that underpin a sustainable future for food and farming.