Richard Young (1950 – 2023) was a British activist.
Born in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds, Young was raised in a farming family, where he developed an early interest in agriculture. [1] [2] He initially practiced conventional farming methods at Swell Hill Farm, which he took over after declining a university education in veterinary medicine. [1]
His transition to organic farming was influenced by personal experiences, including his mother's health issues and an encounter with Sam Mayall, a proponent of organic farming. This change marked a significant shift in his career towards sustainable agriculture and animal welfare advocacy. [1]
Young was known for his campaigns against the misuse of antibiotics in intensive farming, a movement that began in the 1990s. [1] His efforts contributed to the EU's eventual ban on routine farm antibiotic use and the founding of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics. [1] [3]
Young was involved with British Organic Farmers and the Organic Growers' Association, and played a key role in developing organic livestock standards for the Soil Association. [1] [3] Young's work was recognized in various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, and he was a frequent speaker at farming conferences. [1]
At his family's farm, Kite's Nest, Young implemented organic farming practices early on, influencing the sector significantly. [1] His farm was noted for its approach to animal husbandry and biodiversity. [1]
His final work, on the role of grazing animals in sustainable food systems, was published posthumously. [1]
Young died in 2023. [4]
Richard Young (1950 – 2023) was a British activist.
Born in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds, Young was raised in a farming family, where he developed an early interest in agriculture. [1] [2] He initially practiced conventional farming methods at Swell Hill Farm, which he took over after declining a university education in veterinary medicine. [1]
His transition to organic farming was influenced by personal experiences, including his mother's health issues and an encounter with Sam Mayall, a proponent of organic farming. This change marked a significant shift in his career towards sustainable agriculture and animal welfare advocacy. [1]
Young was known for his campaigns against the misuse of antibiotics in intensive farming, a movement that began in the 1990s. [1] His efforts contributed to the EU's eventual ban on routine farm antibiotic use and the founding of the Alliance to Save Our Antibiotics. [1] [3]
Young was involved with British Organic Farmers and the Organic Growers' Association, and played a key role in developing organic livestock standards for the Soil Association. [1] [3] Young's work was recognized in various media outlets, including BBC Radio 4, and he was a frequent speaker at farming conferences. [1]
At his family's farm, Kite's Nest, Young implemented organic farming practices early on, influencing the sector significantly. [1] His farm was noted for its approach to animal husbandry and biodiversity. [1]
His final work, on the role of grazing animals in sustainable food systems, was published posthumously. [1]
Young died in 2023. [4]