Hundreds Attend Showground’s Conference to Discuss Farming Post-Brexit

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 1 March 2017

UPDATED: 1 March 2017

A CROWD of over 400 gathered yesterday (28 February) at Lincolnshire’s only Farming Conference to discuss the future of farming and how to manage risk following the UK’s exit from the European Union.

In addition to discussing potential changes to the farming industry post-Brexit, the conference recognised the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation.

Chris Rothery, a trustee of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said: “With un-certainty around the impact of Brexit on the economy, it’s a crucial time for farmers to be proactive, gather as much information and advice as possible, and network with their peers.

“The fact that we achieved higher figures than in 2016 is a clear sign that the agricultural industry also recognises this need and is ready to put plans in place for a positive and profitable future.”

Jayne Southall, CEO of the Lincolnshire Showground, said she was delighted to see high attendance at a session highlighting the importance of supporting young farmers: “The future of Lincoln’s agricultural industry very much lies with the next generation so it was vital that they were recognised and represented at this year’s conference.

“The comments captured on video and the live question and answer session with Alex Olivant, Alice Cannon, and Alex Richardson, who are just starting their careers in agriculture, added real context to the day. It formed an important reminder that as well as planning for a potentially difficult year, we need to look further ahead to secure the long-term future of farming.”

Speakers at the conference included Kelly Hewson-Fisher from Anglian Water and Bill Clark, Technical Director at science-based agricultural business NIAB. Both talks provided industry analysis and advice on water management in farming and explained uncertainty in cereal disease control strategies.

Further discussions were held by fourth generation Kent farmer, Doug Wanstall, on how to build financial resilience in farming businesses. The conference was closed by keynote speaker Guy Smith, NFU Vice President, who offered further insight into farming post-Brexit. Guy also encouraged farmers to connect with their MPS and MEPs to keep communicating the UK farming message, including the benefits of glyphosate to the industry.

The Lincolnshire Showground is well placed geographically attracting attendees and exhibitors across the Midlands and further afield. Sponsors of the Lincolnshire Farming Conference include HSBC, Andrew & Co Solicitors, Streets Chartered Accountants and Brown & Co among others.

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