Speaker line-up for CLA Breakfast at Royal Bath & West Show announced

Speakers will debate debate the pressing issues facing landowners, farmers and rural business owners.
Written by Sarah Wells-Gaston. First published on 17 Mar 2026, and most recently revised on 8 Apr 2026.
Bath & West Speakers (Twitter Post)

We are delighted to be returning to the Royal Bath & West Show in 2026 for the CLA Big Breakfast, which will be held in a new location on Thursday 28 May (8am-10am).

This year, we will be hosting the event on the top floor of the Wessex Pavilion, offering fantastic views across the main arena.

Over a full English breakfast, attendees will hear expert insights on topics of the day including farm profitability, the Land Use Framework, planning and future schemes, with plenty of opportunity to put questions directly to the panel on the topics that matter most to them.

Chaired by the Royal Bath & West Show President Alice Fox-Pitt, speakers confirmed for the panel debate include:

  • Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton and Liberal Democrats spokesperson for Rural Affairs. Sarah comes from a Somerset farming family that can be traced back more than 250 years to the local area. She has been a strong voice for Somerset’s farming community, calling attention to the issues such as trade deals, livestock exports and the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme.
  • CLA Deputy President Joe Evans. Joe grew up on his family farm in Herefordshire and spent much of the first decade of his career working for HSBC Group in Asia. In 2012 he and his wife Keeley returned 'home' where he took over the day to day running of Whitbourne Estate.
  • Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). Jeremy has been Secretary and Adviser to the CAAV since 1995. He handles the many issues covered by the CAAV including agricultural tenancy and land occupation issues, taxation, valuation, planning, climate change and environmental issues, liaising with government at all levels and writing widely on both policy and practice.
  • Richard Clothier MBE, Managing Director of Wyke Farms. Richard is a third-generation farmer - his family have worked the farm for over 160 years to produce great-tasting cheddar while ensuring they also lead the way on environmental and climate change measures. He was awarded an MBE in His Majesty the King’s New Year Honours for services to sustainable agriculture and food production.

Ann Maidment, Regional Director for the CLA South West, comments: “This is a great opportunity for visitors to the show to get insight into the issues shaping the rural sector. Our panel of speakers will share their views on the challenges being faced and the opportunities available to boost the rural economy. It is a great way to kick-start the Royal Bath & West Show, and we’re excited to host this important rural debate.”

Tickets cost £12 per person (including VAT). Corporate tables are also available for £160 (plus VAT) - please contact Events Manager Izzy Hamilton for further information.

Register your attendance here.

As a reminder, attendance at our breakfast event does not include entry to the show. We have organised discounts for members to purchase tickets for the Royal Bath & West Show. Please check the South West news pages in the latest issue of Land and Business for your exclusive discount offer.