Northern Farming Conference '26 - report and images

An impressive line-up of speakers shared their views at Hexham Auction Mart in early November with around 225 delegates attending the 17th Northern Farming Conference.

Under the theme Turning a Corner: Building the Future of Farming the conference set out to explore how British farming must look beyond the challenges it faces whilst recognizing the opportunities for a more confident, profitable and resilient future.

Several high-profile speakers, including CLA President Gavin Lane, NFU President Tom Bradshaw and TFA CEO George Dunn spoke in the morning session which was chaired by GSC Grays’ Adam Bedford.

Looking ahead to what British farming could achieve over the next decade, Gavin Lane outlined a vision of profitable, adaptable businesses combining food production with environmental management, technology and new income streams.

He told delegates: "Time and time again, thriving businesses are the ones that seek to adapt to change rather than having change put upon them."

However, he emphasised that achieving this vision would require stable government support, a framework that encouraged long-term investment and confidence within the industry itself.

A full report on this year’s conference can be accessed here - as well as the collated slide presentations here. For general information about this and next year's conference, visit www.northernfarmingconference.org.uk

The Northern Farming Conference is a joint venture between the CLA North team, Armstrong Watson, Hexham and Northern Marts, HSBC, Womble Bond Dickinson, and youngsRPS.