Northern Farming Conference 2026

Farming has been through a difficult and uncertain decade.  Brexit, the pandemic, changing support schemes, global conflict, inflation, trade pressures and shifting government policy have all created huge challenges for farm businesses.

But those who have adapted are becoming stronger, more resilient and more focused on building profitable, sustainable businesses for the future. With greater independence comes both opportunity and risk.

The future of farming will be shaped by innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, data and scientific advances but people remain at the centre of successful businesses. Strong leadership, skilled teams and attracting new talent into the industry are just as important as good soils and livestock.

This conference will explore how farming businesses can adapt, grow and unlock new profitable opportunities across agriculture and land use. It will focus on practical business thinking, global market opportunities, people, skills and the future talent needed to keep the industry thriving.

This year’s speakers include:

• Gavin Lane, CLA President (Country Land and Business Association)
• Tom Bradshaw, NFU President (National Farmers Union)
• George Dunn, TFA CEO (Tenant Farmers Association)
• Adam Bedford, (Session Chair), FERA Science
• Jonathan Eckley, Director of International Trade Development at AHDB
• Freddie Humfrey, Head of Grain Trading at ADM Agriculture
• Anna Jones, rural affairs journalist, author, educator, and founder of Just Farmers™

Farmer Panelists:

• Jamie Leslie, (mixed farmer) Scholland Farm, Shetland
• Joe Nelless, (livestock farmer) Thistleyhaugh Farm near Morpeth
• Alix Ritchie, (livestock farmer) Farmstrong Scotland Director and Perthshire livestock farmer
• David Cross, West Norfolk farmer 
• Jen Oglesby (Chair), Farmer at Colt Park Farm, near Rothbury

Hexham Auction Mart, Tyne Green, Hexham, NE46 3SG