Oxford Farming Conference to question farmers’ mindsets
Oxford Union © Craig Stephen From changing agricultural policies and rising production costs to succession planning, British farmers are no strangers to overcoming challenges.
But could one of the biggest barriers to progress be the way the industry approaches change itself?
That will be the question at the heart of the Oxford Union Debate, which returns to the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) from 6-8 January 2027.
See also: Past OU debate – ‘UK needs more grazing livestock, not less’
Four voices from across British agriculture will take to the historic debating chamber to argue the motion: “This house believes that mindset is the biggest barrier to progress in farming.”
The debate forms part of OFC27’s wider theme, “Harmony”, exploring how greater collaboration and shared understanding across food and farming can help strengthen the industry.
A long-standing highlight of the conference, the debate brings lively discussion to the Oxford Union debating chamber.
In this celebrated setting, delegates can hear opposing arguments, challenge assumptions and have their say on some of farming’s biggest questions.
Changing mindsets
Arguing in favour of the motion will be Ayrshire sheep and beef farmer Cammy Wilson, alongside North Yorkshire-based mediator and EmpowerAg founder Amy Hughes.
Cammy is a first-generation farmer, managing 1,300 ewes and a pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd with his partner Lizzy.
Known to many through his social media platform, The Sheep Game, he has built a following by sharing the realities of farming, including its challenges and opportunities.
No stranger to putting himself forward, Cammy says: “Life is all about taking on new challenges and this seems like a big one.”
Joining him is Amy Hughes, who grew up on a North Yorkshire beef and sheep farm and now works with farming families navigating succession, conflict and difficult conversations.
Through EmpowerAg, Amy helps families address the personal and business challenges that can prevent progress, bringing a different perspective to the role that attitudes and behaviours play in shaping farming’s future.
“Most farmers I work with aren’t short of ideas or graft. What holds them back is how they think about change, and that’s fixable,” she says.
“I’m looking forward to having that conversation with the people shaping where farming goes next.”
Different barriers
Taking the opposing position will be NFU Cymru president and third-generation dairy farmer Abi Reader, alongside Lancashire livestock farmer Joe Towers.
Abi farms near Cardiff, milking 200 cows alongside arable and horticultural enterprises and an agroforestry trial.
A prominent advocate for British agriculture, she also co-founded CowsOnTour, an initiative helping schools and communities better understand farming.
For Abi, the debate offers an opportunity to question whether the obstacles facing agriculture can really be attributed to mindset.
“Being in the OFC debate has long been on the bucket list.
“I’m looking forward to a lively debate, challenging some assumptions and, hopefully, making the case that farming’s biggest barriers aren’t always where we think they are.”
Joining her is Joe Towers, who farms 117ha at Cinder Hill Farm in Lancashire on a 15-year Duchy of Lancaster tenancy.
Alongside his partner Hannah, Joe runs sheep, cattle and an indoor calf-rearing enterprise, while transitioning the farm towards silvopasture.
Having grown up on a dairy farm and spending more than a decade working in milk marketing, he brings experience from both farm production and the wider supply chain.
“I’m looking forward to testing the arguments, hearing different perspectives and having a proper debate about some of the big questions facing farming,” he says.
A wider perspective on farming’s future
Beyond the debating chamber, OFC27 will bring together agricultural scientists, policymakers, international experts and farmers to explore the challenges and opportunities facing food production.
Dr Rosie Bryson of Adas will deliver the science keynote, while Dr Sarah Hearne of crop research outfit CIMMYT will give the Frank Parkinson Lecture.
Other speakers include former British Army general Richard Nugee, agricultural economist Charles Duff and environmental campaigner Satish Kumar.
OFC27 chairman Sheena Horner says the theme of “Harmony” is about encouraging the industry to engage constructively with different viewpoints.
“Our theme asks how a sector with different interests and approaches can work more effectively together.
“That requires a willingness to listen and to question our own assumptions, particularly when another person’s experience differs from ours.”
With plenty to debate both inside and outside the Oxford Union chamber, OFC27 offers an opportunity for farmers to challenge their thinking, hear new perspectives and contribute to the conversations shaping the industry’s future.
OFC27 takes place from 6-8 January 2027.