Opportunities to generate additional farm income will top the agenda at a key county conference this month. The biannual Farming Conference will take place on Wednesday 28 January at Trinity Park, Ipswich. The one-day event is being organised by the Suffolk Agricultural Association, Fram Farmers and Scrutton Bland.
Hundreds of delegates are expected to attend the event, which is called Fields of Opportunities in a Climate of Change. It is billed as a day of straight-talking discussion, technical expertise and farmer-led experience.
Building on the momentum of the 2024 conference, which welcomed more than 300 delegates and made headlines, the conference promises to offer more than advice – including BASIS and NRoSO points.
Delegates will be taken on a “virtual farm walk,” with each session designed exploring opportunities, case studies from farmers and practical steps from business experts.
Keynote speaker Professor David Hughes, emeritus professor of food marketing at Imperial College London, will examine how shifting consumer behaviour and global retail trends will affect UK farmers.
From there, sessions will dive into five major themes: climate change, natural capital (BNG), renewables, vertical integration, and machinery and labour sharing. Speakers include Robert Shepherd, of the Environmental Farmers Group, who will explain biodiversity net gain opportunities; while Pete Thompson of Tendring Farm Cluster will share lessons about natural capital.
Charles Ward, of New Stream Renewables, will talk about market access, legal issues, and taxation, with farmers offering their perspective on making schemes work in practice.
Farmers including Andrew Fairs and Josiah Meldrum,of Hodmedods, will share how adding value and vertical integration can transform livestock and arable businesses.
There will also be a practical look at how sharing machinery and labour – including pooling kit and people – can help to reduce costs, with farmer experiences spanning three generations.
The day will be chaired by Suffolk Agricultural Association chairman Bill Baker. Representatives from HSBC, Fram Farmers and Scrutton Bland will all participate in Q&A panels.
To secure your conference ticket, visit www.bit.ly/suffolk2026