Editor’s View: What should be getting you off farm in 2026?
© Adobe Stock I must have attended about two dozen conferences and events with speakers this year to listen to farmers plot, plan and prevaricate on what our industry’s future problems will be and how to tackle them.
All have their merit, but some are undoubtedly better than others.
See also: What to expect from an EA inspection on farm
About the author
Andrew Meredith
Farmers Weekly editor
Andrew has been Farmers Weekly editor since January 2021 after doing stints on the business and arable desks. Before joining the team, he worked on his family’s upland beef and sheep farm in mid Wales and studied agriculture at Aberystwyth University. In his free time he can normally be found continuing his research into which shop sells London’s finest Scotch egg.
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So as you reflect on the invitations and opportunities for next year, let me share my thoughts on what makes a worthwhile event, steer you towards something that is right for you, and help you have a good time when you get there.
- Less is more… The best events give attendees as much time as possible away from the stage. I dislike the term “networking” as it sounds too much like LinkedIn for our sector, but it should be a consideration. Choose an event that makes ample time for gossip and caffeine, as well as slides and sermons.
- …Unless it’s on your plate There is no substitute for good food. Let’s punish purveyors of a curly sandwich buffet in 2026 in favour of those willing to serve pie, chips, peas and pudding. Plus, if you’re a speaker, it’s pleasing to know that even if you bomb, people will barely remember as they’ll be too busy recalling their generous portion of crumble and custard.
- Three’s a crowd Conference organisers have deluded themselves into thinking panel discussions are popular and they need telling. They have their place, but from crowd-watching (and totting up the number of people discreetly looking at their phones) I know that most of you merely tolerate them. If you must go to a day that is heavy on this format at least choose one that might feature a proper argument, such as Farmers Weekly Question Time (shameless plug). It’s better to watch and it gets to the heart of a matter.
- As niche as possible Some of the most energised and engaged crowds have been at the smallest events that serve just one sector or even a group within it. There is a joy in being around people who have a complete understanding of your role and the topics for discussion will hopefully be hyper-focused on issues that matter to you. If your objective is to learn something, don’t feel like you have to choose a big, prestigious event, and don’t choose one that features timid politicians on the bill.
- Speak to the speaker As someone who has the privilege of sometimes being on the stage, here is my request on behalf of all presenters: come and talk to us afterwards. There’s nothing like some instant feedback (even if it’s not complimentary) to reassure you that at least people were listening and want to help you do better next time.
- Lower your expectations Don’t be deluded by that post-conference euphoria. Conferences rarely offer a conversion experience – you are not going to change your whole life after going to one. So set the bar lower. If you learned one thing, enjoyed the company of your fellow farmers and had a brief break from normality, then that is a win.
See you at the coffee station in 2026.
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