Increasing farm income doesn’t have to involve more acres. Is it possible to employ 20 people on a 128 acre farm? Could you build your herd on someone else’s land and get paid for it? Have you thought of care farming? Come and listen to those who are getting more out of the assets on their farms.

Whether conserving within soils or dealing with some of the problems that excess rainfall can cause, water is one of the most important resources in farming. Julian, Chris and David represent a wealth of experience in how water can be managed to a farmland’s advantage.

This session will bring together experience from the US and the UK to demonstrate how ruminants can be profitably raised solely off pasture.

International soil expert Dr Elaine Ingham explains how nurturing the relationship between roots and soil can reduce your fertiliser bill as well as enhancing plant health.

With over 22 years of agronomy experience, Kevin Ashford explains how weeds have become so successful against a previously solid chemical defence and the change in fortunes that new approaches can bring.

This session will explore the thinking behind initiatives to support innovation by farmers, share experiences, and highlight opportunities to get involved. Tom MacMillan will address grassroots research and farmer-focused funding, Caroline Corsie will present on how farmers can turn from advice takers to advice makers.

Daniela Howell, co-founder and Chief Executive of the Savory Institute, will discuss the advantages of adopting a holistic approach to running your farm – the basis of the practical courses on Holistic Management.

NB Daniela was unable to make it on the day and was replaced by Andrea Malmberg

Dairy farmers and Nuffield Scholars Robert Craig (Farmers Weekly Dairy Farmer of the Year) and Rob Richmond debate producing milk from grass and bag nitrogen versus herbal leys and mob grazing.