Strategic planning—rooted in both tradition and forward-thinking—guides decisions on crop rotations, diversification, and investment, ensuring that farms remain agile in the face of shifting policies and unpredictable markets.

Profitability, though influenced by global forces and government decisions, ultimately depends on human resourcefulness and collaboration. As we look to the future, it is this careful balance—people harnessing plans to turn hard work into sustainable returns—that will determine which farms not only survive, but flourish.

This year’s conference will explore solutions and case studies which can inspire delegates with confidence, in spite of operating against an adverse back-drop. Yes, it is about food security, and there is also great social and environmental value locked up in farming so, what are the levers we can pull for optimum return?

Yes, it is about sweating your assets, but also about calculating risks and returns - approaching challenges differently. Farmers have the superpower to think and control their farming businesses.

Our speakers will share their insight and solutions – big and small – that could influence farming in future by making it more resilient and profitable.

This year’s speakers include:

• Lord Curry of Kirkharle, Northumbrian farmer and farming advocate
• Alistair Carmichael, MP & Efra Select Committee Chair (pending parliamentary duties)
• Baroness Minette Batters, former NFU President, Farm Profitability review
• Jeremy Moody Secretary and Adviser at The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
• Sarah Baker, Head of Economic Analysis at the AHDB
• Professor Paul Wilson President – Agricultural Economics Society
• Kat Thorne, The Morning Gamechanger (Guest Speaker)

Farmer Panelists:

• Graham Rutherford, Northumbrian Farmer (beef & sheep), Longhorsley
• Helen Marsden, Livestock farmer Dumfriesshire
• Duncan Morrison, Livestock (Aberdeen Angus) farmer, Aberdeenshire
• Thomas Todd, Farmer at Barelees Farm, Cornhill on Tweed
• Jen Oglesby (Chair), Farmer at Colt Park Farm, near Rothbury

Date

Location

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

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