Hundreds of farmers are set to attend the first-ever Yorkshire Farming Conference at the Great Yorkshire Showground on Wednesday 28 January 2026, with a limited number of tickets available to purchase in advance only with a week to go.
The conference’s trade show is fully sold out and the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organisers of the event in collaboration with its farming networks, is excited by the response in the conference’s maiden year.
More than 60 farming and rural businesses and organisations are part of the trade show and nearly 40 industry speakers take centre stage for a series of workshops, including a 2026 Briefing for Farmers covering financial and policy implications of government announcements, with an animal health briefing from leading veterinarian, Professor Jonathan Statham of Bishopton Vets.
Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society said:
“This is exactly the response we hoped for. So many people from within this great industry are getting behind the Yorkshire Farming Conference. By holding a conference that’s loaded with farmer-to-farmer conversations and opportunities to connect with each other, there are so many great reasons to attend as a member of the farming community.”
High-profile speakers include James Rebanks, the Cumbrian farmer and best-selling author who will deliver an address on the Keynote Stage, sponsored by Barclays, before signing copies of his books, The Shepherd’s Life, English Pastoral and The Place of Tides.
Other industry names on the bill include Tom Carlisle, Yorkshire Dales farmer and social media star, Sue Pritchard, Chief Executive of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, and arable farmer Guy Poskitt of Mark H Poskitt Ltd.
A wide range of agricultural topics, from whether UK agriculture is more in control since Brexit to farming safer and stronger will be covered by workshops chaired by the likes of Nigel Murray, MD of Booths, David Exwood, Deputy President of the National Farmers Union and Olivia Midgley, Editorial Director of Farmers Guardian.
A session about The Farmer’s Role in the Big Food Picture will be opened by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith.
For the first time in one place, the conference brings together the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s farming networks – Future Farmers of Yorkshire, Farmer Scientist Network, Yorkshire Rural Support Network, Women In Farming Network and Yorkshire Food, Farming and Rural Network – to showcase the Society’s work to support education and development, promote innovation and help farmers seize opportunities.
Allister added:
“The Yorkshire Farming Conference is a great way to find out about the many ways you can benefit from the wide-ranging, year-round work of the Society. We are really looking forward to welcoming the farming community to the Great Yorkshire Showground for this event. It’s going to be a brilliant occasion.”
Dedicated networking sessions offer opportunities to meet the Society’s networks – the Yorkshire Rural Support Network and the Women In Farming at 10.45am and Future Farmers and Yorkshire Food, Farming and Rural Network at 2.45pm.
The Farmer Scientist Network is part of the trade show, and farmers can purchase discounted farmer rate tickets for the Great Yorkshire Show at the Society’s stand.
The trade show is a chance to scope out new machinery and technology, speak to rural advisory and professional service providers, and find out about support for farming families.
There will be businesses specialising in everything from agricultural technology and farm management software, to fencing and farm buildings.
Free blood pressure checks will be available at the Field Nurse stand.
The Yorkshire Farming Conference is for everyone working in agriculture and takes place on 28 January 2026 at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre from 9am to 5pm.
Farmers can claim BASIS and NroSo (CPD) points at the event.
Tickets, priced £25 + VAT, are available to purchase in advance only, here until 7pm on Tuesday 27 January, subject to availability.
A discount is available for group bookings of 10 or more.
Tickets can also be purchased in-person, subject to availability, from Russells machinery outlets in Boroughbridge, Eggborough, Malton and Northallerton.
