Visitor Information
What is Lincolnshire Farming Conference
The Lincolnshire Farming Conference has well established itself in the Lincolnshire farming calendar. The post Brexit transition continues for UK agriculture and the 2026 conference ‘Roadmap to Resilience’ will focus on opportunities. Themes will include policy, famer reaction to changes and future opportunities.
The conference stands as a cornerstone event in the region’s agricultural calendar, proudly hosted and organised by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society (LAS). Held annually at the Lincolnshire Showground, the event draws a diverse and engaged audience from across the agricultural spectrum, including farmers, landowners, agribusiness professionals, researchers, students and industry stakeholders.
This conferences serves as a dynamic and inclusive platform for sharing knowledge, exploring innovation and engaging in topical discussions that reflect the evolving landscape of agriculture. Attendees benefit from the opportunity to hear directly from leading voices in the sector, gaining valuable insights into emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies and policy developments that are shaping the future of farming both locally and nationally.
Chaired by Kelly Hewson-Fisher, the conference offers expert-led workshops, practical insights and real-world advice. With networking, exhibitor stands and a forward-thinking agenda, it’s a celebration of progress, community, and resilience.
Meet the 2026 Speakers
Kelly Hewson-Fisher, LFC Chair
Chair of the conference and a leading voice in agricultural water management, Kelly brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and rural policy development.
Victoria Atkins
MP for Louth and Horncastle and Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Minette Batters
First female NFU President in 113 years, Minette led British farming through Brexit, Covid-19, and global upheaval. A passionate campaigner for food standards and sustainability, she co-founded Ladies in Beef, fronted major media campaigns, and now serves as a Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords. She’s also a Wiltshire farmer, chef, and charity fundraiser.
Digby Sowerby
Digby became Managing Director of EFG in July 2025 and has worked with EFG since 2022, a few months after the natural capital farmer cooperative was set up. He has grown a strong understanding of the natural capital sector with hands on experience and a good network within the sector. Previously, Digby has worked on an agri-tech project for a rural scale-up business in Dorset. Digby studied International Management and French at the University of Bath and was brought up on the tenanted family arable farm in North Lincolnshire.
Simon King
Simon is Farm Manager for J Wharton (Agriculture) Ltd. He manages a 2400ha business in North Lincolnshire, having been with the business for 15 years. It is predominantly arable with a suckler herd. They operate a versatile cultivation policy, with all types considered depending on conditions and desired results. He has a young family of 3 children, all of whom have the ambition to join the agricultural industry one day.
Ed Barker
Ed Barker is Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC), joining in 2020. The AIC represents agri-supply businesses in the UK, covering five sectors: seed, combinable crop merchants, animal feed, fertiliser, and crop protection. In this role, he leads on policy and Government Affairs. Ed is a Board Member of COCERAL, the European association representing the trade in cereals, oilseeds, pulses, and agro-supply.
Before joining AIC, Ed was Senior Policy Advisor at the National Pig Association, where he led on government affairs, innovation, and trade policy. He has also been in farm management roles and started his career in the UK House of Commons. He is a partner in 500 Ha arable family farming business in Suffolk.
2026 Agenda
9:30 am
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9:40 am
Kelly Hewson-Fisher
Opening Remarks
9:40 am
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10:05 am
Ed Barker, Head of Policy AIC
A forward look in the UK agricultural supply chain
10:05 am
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10:25 am
Digby Sowerby, Managing Director at Environmental Farmers Group
Public and Private investment & Q&A
10:25 am
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10:45 am
Simon King, Farm Manager at J Wharton (Agriculture) Ltd
Sustainable and resilient farming in Lincolnshire.
10:45 am
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11:45 am
Breaks and Workshops
See below for Workshop info...
11:45 am
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0:15 am
Victoria Atkins
MP for Louth and Horncastle
Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
0:15 pm
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0:45 pm
Henry Ward
Panel Discussion
0:45 pm
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1:45 pm
Lunch
A self serve buffet
1:45 pm
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2:15 pm
Chris Sheldon (Brown & Co), Simon Parsons (University of Lincoln), Amy Cowdell (Shakespeare Martineau, Stuart Robertson (NerG), Michael Ball (Streets)
Panel Discussion with our Sponsors
2:15 pm
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2:45 pm
Minette Batters
Keynote Speaker: Farming Profitability Review
2:45 pm
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2:55 pm
Q&A Session
2:55 pm
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3:00 pm
Kelly Hewson Fisher
Closing Remarks
2026 Workshops
Counter Attacking the Chancellor
Brown & Co, Streets Chartered Accountants & Shakespeare Martineau
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in the Agri-food Sector
SUSTAIN AI Centre for Doctoral Training, University of Lincoln
Protecting your farm from upcoming energy cost rises: The role of smarter energy procurement, on-site generation & batteries.
Hosted by: Woldmarsh Producers & NerG
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your visit to the Lincolnshire Farming Conference?
Here are a few questions we frequently get asked, but if you can't find the information you're looking for below please get in touch.
Meet the Sponsors
Brown&Co
Formed in 1993, Brown&Co is leading provider of agency, professional & consultancy services across the whole range of rural, commercial and residential property, agriculture & the environment. Lincoln & Humber offices ensure farmers/landowners throughout Lincs are provided with specialist technical advice with experience & local knowledge.
NerG
Specialising in roof and ground-mounted solar PV and biomass heating systems, we help farmers diversify income and improve resilience. Energy is another farmed commodity — and today, more profitable than many crops. Since 2008, we have designed systems properly, install with our own team, and look after them for the long term.
SUSTAIN AI Centre for Doctoral Training
The SUSTAIN UKRI AI CDT is the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD programme dedicated to applying AI to sustainable agriculture, led by the University of Lincoln with partner universities across the UK. Bringing together world leading experts from fundamental AI to farm to fork systems, SUSTAIN works with industry to turn real challenges into impactful research. Across the programme, 60 industry focused PhD students are being trained to drive the future of sustainable agriculture.
Join us at the Lincolnshire Farming Conference 2026, the premier event for agricultural innovation and networking. Held at the Lincolnshire Showground, this conference is your gateway to exploring the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of farming. Whether you're a farmer, landowner, student, or industry professional, the Lincolnshire Farming Conference offers unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. Don't miss this key event in the Lincolnshire farming calendar!
Lincolnshire Recovery Services
Stand No TBC
DEFRA
Stand No TBC
Catchment Sensitive Farming
Stand No TBC
Meet Our 2026 Exhibitors
Where is the Showground?
We want to make sure your trip to Lincolnshire Food & Gift is as simple as possible, which is why we've put together information about travelling to Lincoln to plan your route to the Lincolnshire Showground.
How to Find Us?
By Car
We are located four miles north of Lincoln, the main entrance to the Showground is at Gate 1, immediately off the A15. Our postcode is LN2 2NA, get directions here. The postcode for Gate 3 is LN1 2ZR and Gate 6 is LN1 2RP.
You can use What3Words to locate our gates.
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Gate 1 - times.chiars.organ
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Gate 2 - crisis.spicy.pardon
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Gate 3 - dinner.luck.voting
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Gate 4 - suspend.editor.nags
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Gate 5 - boast.mashing.mango
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Gate 6 - sport.taps.windy
By Train
Lincoln Central Train station is 15 minutes away by road, or 30 minutes to Newark North Gate Train Station. The train journey from Newark to London Kings Cross is less than 80 minutes.
If you still have a question please visit our Contact Us page and send us an email.
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