Farm management professionals trying to make sense of the outlook for their business could find some answers at this year’s National Farm Management Conference, which takes place this month.

Organised by the Institute of Agricultural Management and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants, the two-day conference in Oxford has drawn together speakers from across the globe.

Top US economist William C Motes will explore how world markets for agricultural output have changed in recent years and will examine the demands on land use in the next five years, and Andrew Hunter of Hungary’s Magyar Farming Company will outline the opportunities, risks and threats to profitable farming in eastern Europe.

There will also be an opportunity to quiz one of Tesco’s senior buying team about what they see as potential growth areas for local and regional foods in Tesco’s stores.

IAGRM president John Alvis said retailers and processors were becoming more aware that, with a more uncertain future, producers in some sectors, particularly pigs and dairy, were scaling back production or leaving the industry altogether. “The significance and importance of agriculture is not lost on processors and retailers anxious to secure adequate and direct supplies,” he said. “Hence our conference theme could not be more appropriate in helping delegates to identify and exploit thesee windows of opportunity.”

A limited number of conference places are still available. For more information, contact Richard Cooksley on 01275 843825 or email cooksleyandco@btconnect.com.