Finalists chosen for 2025 LAMMA Young Engineer Award
19th December 2024
In its fourth year of showcasing the best young engineering talent in the UK, the finalists of the 2025 award have been chosen by a team of expert judges.
The Young Engineer Award is designed to highlight innovations and contributions of young engineers working in the agricultural sector.
It celebrates individuals or teams aged 16-35 who have developed a piece of agricultural machinery, equipment or technology that has significantly enhanced efficiency, profitability or sustainability in farming operations.
“The Young Engineer Award shines a spotlight on the exceptional talent of our young British agricultural engineers,” says Sarah Whittaker-Smith, event director at LAMMA.
“Engineering innovation has always been the backbone of our industry, and its continued advancement is essential for future success.
“This award not only celebrates fresh, forward-thinking ideas but also provides a platform to recognise and reward the next generation of innovators who are driving positive change in agriculture.”
Welsh engineer Ieuan Evans won the 2024 Young Engineer Award for his Smart Slurry Pump, a real time telemetry system that monitors key information from a remote-controlled tractor and umbilical slurry pump and provides it to the remote operator at the application end of the pipeline.
The 2025 LAMMA Young Engineer Award finalists are:
Arnaud Henry-Lefort: Lead machine development engineer at Ubiqutek Ltd
Innovation: Rootwave eWeeder
Arnaud Henry-Lefort has developed the Rootwave eWeeder, a pioneering solution for sustainable weed control in orchards, berry farms, and vineyards.
Using patented electrical technology, the eWeeder eliminates weeds without chemicals or soil disruption, supporting biodiversity and soil health while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
With advanced features, user-friendly design, and production underway, the eWeeder is set to revolutionise weed management, helping farmers boost profitability and achieve sustainability goals.
Jason McVerry: Mechanical design engineer at Redrock Machinery
Innovation: Two-Stage Self Fill Slurry Boom
Jason McVerry has developed the Two-Stage Self Fill Slurry Boom, a solution that enhances slurry handling efficiency with faster load cycles and reduced operator fatigue.
Designed to operate on uneven ground and hard-to-reach areas, it offers flexibility through dual configurations: a suction pipe for underground tanks and integration with a portable docking station.
Now commercially available, the boom reduces downtime, fuel usage, and labour demands, delivering significant economic and environmental benefits for modern slurry management.
Alexander Sluijmers: Development engineer at Perry of Oakley Limited
Innovation: Grain Sentry
Alexander Sluijmers has created the Grain Sentry, an automated moisture control system for continuous flow grain driers.
Using advanced NIR technology and self-teaching algorithms, it optimises drying processes, reducing manual oversight, cutting fuel and energy costs and improving grain quality.
Launched at LAMMA 2024, the versatile system enhances efficiency, profitability, and sustainability for modern arable farming while delivering significant cost savings.
The winner will be determined by an expert judging panel and will be announced at the 2025 LAMMA Show in January.
Visitors can register for their free ticket to the show on the event website.
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