Experts to discuss what's next for the future of farming 24 Jan

Making its return to the Lincolnshire Showground on February 28, the highly-anticipated conference will feature the latest farming news, discussions, Brexit concerns and much more for Lincolnshire's agricultural industry.

Chris Rothery, trustee at the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, said that farmers should anticipate changes post-Brexit within the farming industry and be prepared as a business for a possibly bumpy start to 2017 for the agricultural sector.

He said: "Britain's decision to leave the EU poses many threats to a number of sectors in the UK's economy, most notably the farming industry.

"With a high level of uncertainty over the future of the UK agricultural sector, at this time in transition, it is especially important that UK farmers are up to speed with the impact that Brexit could impose on their business. The conference will give insight and analysis as well as an opportunity to meet with others in the industry in order to lead their sector into a positive light for the future of farming."

Chairman Andrew Ward will give an introduction at the conference before a series of expert discussions take place.

Kelly Hewson-Fisher from Anglian Water and Bill Clark, Technical Director at science-based agricultural business NIAB, will be giving industry analysis and advice about water management in farming and explaining uncertainty in cereal disease control strategies respectively.

Jayne Southall, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire Showground, said: "We have secured some brilliant speakers for the 2017 Lincolnshire Farming Conference. As the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society, it's important that we provide on-going support and analysis on what proved to be a turbulent year for farmers and agriculture in 2016.

"Although the future is uncertain it is still crucial that we are all striving forwards in 2017. We will hear from fourth generation Kent farmer, Doug Wanstall, on how to build financial resilience in farming businesses. We are also continuing to focus on young people working in the industry in Lincolnshire who are key to the future of agriculture, with an opportunity to speak with three young, local, talented individuals starting their careers in agriculture with short videos of their achievements."

The conference will be closed by keynote speaker Guy Smith, NFU Vice President, who will be offering an insight into farming post-Brexit.

The Lincolnshire Showground is well placed geographically attracting attendees and exhibitors across the Midlands and further afield. Sponsors of the Lincolnshire Farming Conference include HSBC, Andrew & Co Solicitors, Streets Chartered Accountants and Brown & Co among others.

Refreshments, including a Lincolnshire hog roast, will be available at the conference alongside networking opportunities. A reception for the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society Under 35s group will also take place after the conference.

Tickets cost £12 for adults, £6 for students, with members of the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society free to attend once registered. The event opens from 1pm. To book a place at the 2017 conference click here.

For regular updates, follow the Lincolnshire Farming Conference on Twitter @lincsshowground or join the conversation #LFC2017