William Hunt learned to drive a tractor and care for livestock through countless hours spent alongside his grandad, David Hall. When David was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2025, 14-year-old William stepped up to help run the family farm instead of withdrawing into himself.
“He never complained or stepped back,” said his mother, Tracey, whose family farm is in the Peak District. “William got up early to feed the calves before school and, after a full day, returned home to continue farm duties.”
In January, during the most challenging months for farmers, David was admitted to a high dependency unit for four weeks. With Tracey working as a nurse and unable to manage the farm, William took on essential tasks without being asked, drawing on his grandad’s knowledge and the family’s devotion to their animals.
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David sadly passed away in July 2026, aged 78. “Dad was very fit and active,” Tracey recalled. “His passing was a huge loss, but the time he spent with William meant the boy was well-prepared to carry on.”
William is now skilled in tractor driving, haymaking, and animal care, regularly handling these responsibilities alongside his mother and grandmother. While many teenagers focus on friends and school life, William prioritised his family and the farm, displaying remarkable responsibility and maturity.
The farm has been in the family for 40 years, and William, now 15, plans to further his farming career through an apprenticeship after finishing school. He aspires to rear his own herd and develop an online business to sell meat products.
Balancing GCSE studies, farm work, and a part-time job at a butcher’s shop, William has demonstrated dedication and resilience. His efforts were recognised when he was named Young Farming Hero in the 2026 Farmers Guardian Young British Farming Awards.
Tracey shared, “We found out he was shortlisted on the day my dad died. It was an emotional moment, but his grandad would have been so proud. William is practical, resourceful, and manages to keep up with school despite its challenges.”
The award judges praised William’s maturity and reliability: “At just 15, William has taken on significant responsibility, supporting his grandparents and maintaining the farm through a very difficult year. His ability to balance education, work, and family duties while coping with his grandad’s illness is truly exceptional.”
Tracey added, “I nominated William because he embodies the best of the next generation of British farmers. His compassion, dependability and resilience have been a real support to our family. He has made an invaluable contribution at a time when we needed him most.”