National Farm Management Conference: Lead: Connect: Grow
This event is eligible for 5 point(s).
The National Farm Management Conference 2026 brings together leading voices from across agriculture, food, business and the rural sector for a day of insight, discussion and practical thinking.
Under this year’s theme, Lead. Connect. Grow., the conference will explore what it takes to lead successful agricultural businesses through a period of significant change – from environmental pressures and workforce challenges to new markets, data and changing consumer demand.
Lead
The day begins by looking at the bigger picture for agriculture and the rural sector. Speakers will explore environmental stewardship, the importance of professionalism and capability, and how the industry can approach the growing pressures surrounding sustainable water management.
Hear from Mark Suthern, Environment Agency, Sophie Throup, Director General of the NFU, and Chris Gerrard of Anglian Water, with the session chaired by Simon Britton, Chair of the Society of Agriculture.
Connect
How can agricultural businesses respond successfully to changing markets, people and expectations?
Chaired by Andrew Meredith, Editor of Farmers Weekly, Connect brings together a panel of experts to discuss Shaping Change: Culture, Markets and the Workforce of the Future.
The session will explore the Halal market opportunity, building a culture that embraces change, communicating change effectively and managing the modern agricultural workforce.
Grow
The final session of the day – The John Alliston Memorial Session – turns the focus to business performance and future growth.
Delegates will hear practical perspectives on differentiation and demand-led growth, using farm data to turn information into actionable profit, and the thought-provoking question: “A Farmer or A Business Manager?”
With speakers including Dan Morris of Warrendale Wagyu, Mark Hall of Waldersey Farms Ltd and James Smith of Loddington Farm, the session will provide real-world insight from people managing and developing agricultural businesses today.
A day to Lead. Connect. Grow.
Alongside a packed programme of speakers and discussion, the conference provides an excellent opportunity to meet fellow professionals, exchange ideas, make new connections and take practical insights back to your own business or organisation.