The importance of community and collaboration in agriculture is being brought to the fore as the schedule takes shape for the first-ever Yorkshire Farming Conference, held by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
At the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate on Wednesday 28 January, the Conference will be a platform for big topics, from policy changes to the farmer’s role in the big food picture, as part of a varied programme that will emphasise the close connections that drive the industry forward in an ever-changing world.
Dairy farmer and Great Yorkshire Show Director, Rachel Coates will chair ‘Behind the Scenes of Showing’ on behalf of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Women In Farming Network. A panel including serial show winner Anna Pennell and showing judge Ashleigh Fenwick will share their experiences of showtime preparation and judging, whilst telling of the friendships that continue to make showing such an enduring part of farming life for many.
Rachel said: “I’m really looking forward to this particular session of the Yorkshire Farming Conference. Showing has always been a huge part of my life. Beyond the benefits that come from enhancing the reputation of your stock by picking up a prized rosette, there is an amazing camaraderie that bonds show people.
“The friendships you make in the livestock rings, sheds and pens are testament to the strength of community that continues to exist in farming, generation after generation, and it’s something we should celebrate.”
The power of collaboration between farmers will also be celebrated at the Conference, including during a session that focuses on mentorship and personal development.
‘Mentorship and Momentum’ will see first generation farmer Stephen Frankland and farm administrator Megan Hall explain how they have grown their confidence, knowledge and skills to take the next steps in their own agricultural careers after taking part in the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Goodall Agri-Development Pathway. Applications for the 2026 Pathway are open until 1 December 2025, see yas.co.uk for details.
Stephen and Megan will be joined by Nuffield Farming Scholar Helen Wyman, CEO of Conference sponsor TwoCan, who is building a cross-sector network where people support one another to grow.
Yorkshire arable farmer Guy Poskitt of Mark H Poskitt Ltd is the latest, well-respected industry speaker to join the line-up. Guy is joined on the bill by keynote speaker, farmer and author James Rebanks, Richard Barker of Lingy Moor Farming Ltd, regenerative farmer advocate Mike Powley and Graham Potter of W Potter and Sons.
Other industry names confirmed include James Young, Vice President, Agriculture at McCain Foods (GB) Ltd, Professor Jonathan Statham, Chair of Bishopton Veterinary Group and Chief Executive of RAFT Solutions Ltd, Anna Jones, founder and MD of Just Farmers, and Olivia Midgley, Editorial Director of Farmers Guardian.
The Yorkshire Farming Conference is an event for everyone working in agriculture and takes place on 28 January 2026 at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre from 9am to 5pm. As well as a wide range of talks and workshops, there will be a trade show and farmers can claim BASIS and NroSo (CPD) points at the event.
This is the first landmark event brought together by 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. Each of these networks is guided by farmers and funded and coordinated by the Society to support those working in the industry.
