Northumberland farmers discuss future of British agriculture at British Farming Conference

The Northern Farming Conference 2026 was held at Hexham Auction Mart on Wednesday. November 4.

Under the theme Turning a Corner: Building the Future of Farming, the conference brought together farmers, industry leaders and agricultural professionals to examine the political, economic and practical issues shaping the sector.

The opening panel, chaired by Adam Bedford of GSC Grays, brought together Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers' Union, Gavin Lane, President of the Country Land and Business Association, and George Dunn, Chief Executive of the Tenant Farmers Association.

The discussion examined the need for greater policy certainty, investment, food security and opportunities for the next generation.

Gavin Lane outlined a vision of profitable, adaptable businesses combining food production with environmental management, technology and new income streams.

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

Tom Bradshaw reinforced the importance of domestic food production and fair trading conditions.

Attention then turned to the international markets influencing British agriculture.

In the afternoon, the focus moved to the practical experiences of working farmers.

Chaired by Rothbury farmer Jen Oglesby, the panel featured Jamie Leslie from Shetland, David Cross from West Norfolk and Joe Nelless of Thistleyhaugh Farm near Morpeth.

The farmers discussed how they were adapting their businesses through cost control, financial planning, changes to systems and reducing reliance on agricultural support payments.

Joe Nelless offered a thoughtful perspective on the challenges of transferring responsibility between generations within family farming businesses.

"From my generation, it's important that we realise that there's going to be resistance when the older generation have put two, three, four decades of blood, sweat and tears into something that they're very passionate about," he said.

Joe encouraged younger farmers to approach succession discussions with respect, supported by sound financial information and clear business plans.

Bringing the conference to a close, rural affairs journalist, author and Just Farmers founder Anna Jones challenged delegates to consider the stories British agriculture tells about itself.

Anna questioned whether the industry's focus on hardship and uncertainty could overshadow its achievements and discourage the next generation.