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Agenda

11.30am - 11.45am

Tea and coffee

11.50am

Introduction and welcome

²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian editor Olivia Midgley

12pm

Resilient mind, resilient business. Panel discussion with Q&A. 

PANEL CHAIR: Georgina Lamb, Senior Partnerships Manager, The Farming Community Network. 

PANEL: Tom York, Harper Adams Agriculture student and ‘Ironman’ triathlete; Benjamin Stubbs, Progress Coach, Reaseheath College; Amy Hughes, Senior Engagement Manager at AHDB Beef and Lamb and host of Think Outside the Fence podcast. 

Mental health, resilience and navigating relationships in all areas of life. 

The session will discuss ideas, personal experiences and techniques on how we can become more physically, emotionally and mentally resilient to the challenges life and business can throw our way. Our panel of experts will explore a range of topics and consider how we can support each other as well as ourselves for a happier and more successful mindset. 

Quickfire soundbite sessions 

CHAIR: Emily Ashworth, The ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian podcast host and FG online editor.

12.50pm

Sustainable Farming Incentive – achieving the right balance.

Presentation and Q&A with Heather Whalley, Lancashire farmer and senior farm adviser, Ribble Rivers Trust.

1.45pm

The next generation - Is it time for a revolution? 

Inspirational speaker and leadership expert Paul Harris, REAL Success 

Should the days of working 60 hours a week be cast into history, or is this still essential for managing our farms effectively? Do working conditions need to improve to attract and keep the best talent, or must we accept that it’s a dirty job? How can we modernise our thinking around people management and remain profitable? In this short talk, followed by a Q&A session, Paul Harris, chief executive and founder of REAL Success, will outline his thoughts on why the current generation and next generation in farming need a revolution in thinking. This will be an engaging, thought-provoking and, at times, provocative talk from a key business leader who is determined to help bridge the gap between the generations to secure the future of our industry.

2.30pm

Social media for good and the rise of the ‘agfluencer’ - Q&A 

PANEL CHAIR: Ellie Layton, ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian journalist and Herefordshire YFC. 

PANEL: Tom Pemberton, Lancashire dairy farmer and Youtuber; Olly Harrison, Merseyside arable farmer and YouTuber; Charlotte Ashley, Cumbria beef and sheep farmer, transitioning to dairy, and vlogger; Rebecca Wilson, Yorkshire farmer and podcaster. 

Using social media to do good – for you and the wider industry. 

How to strike a good balance and how to use social media channels to promote you and your business. Can you make it pay? And how to get the farming community behind you. Why is it important to have the buy-in from the agricultural community?

3.15pm

Conference close.

Concluding remarks from DIY AGM founder and Yorkshire YFC member John Houseman.