Future of Farming Theatre, supported by Virgin Money and Farmers Guardian
Gain specialist advice and support through panel discussions and networking sessions held over three days.
More Useful Information
Talks
The Future of Farming Theatre, supported by Virgin Money and Farmers Guardian, provides specialist advice and support to farmers, landowners and professionals in the agricultural and land-based sectors through panel discussions and networking sessions held over three days.
Over three days, the theatre hosts engaging panel discussions, networking sessions, and expert insights. This year, topics will focus on sustainable menus and the changing food landscape, healthy people and teams, collaboration, water and funding opportunities. Plus, there will be a Farmers’ Question Time. Questions can be submitted prior to the day here or on the day. Our aim is that attendees will learn from real-world farmer case studies and gain actionable strategies for success, all while enjoying a complimentary cuppa.
2026’s line-up of special guests delivering talks and joining discussions on stage will include Minette Batters, Kaleb Cooper, Ally Hunter Blair, Kelvin and Liz Fletcher and Adam Henson.
Timetable
The preliminary timetable of talks, panel discussions and Q&As happening at the 2026 Show are outlined below, with more to be announced in due course.
| Time | Topic | Speakers |
| 9.30 | Breakfast with Baroness Minette Batters | Hosted by Adam Henson |
| 10.30 | Opening ceremony and long service awards | |
| 11.30 | From farm to menu: Who shapes Britain’s sustainable food future? Spotlighting how stronger links between farming and foodservice can support sustainable menus, resilience and pride in British produce connecting farm to fork in practical and meaningful ways. |
Ian Nottage, Fresh Direct UK Head of Food Development Rob Cass, Angel Hill Food, OCS Education Catering Operations Manager Lily Spencer-Brown, Myton Food Group (Morrisons) Livestock Technical Development Manager Neil Shand, National Beef Association CEO Chaired by Alexia Robinson, Love British Food Founder |
| 12.15 | Farmers Question Time Ask any question on anything and everything farming. Bringing together specialists to bring their perspective to your questions. Questions can be submitted before here or on the day. |
Brian Richardson, Virgin Money UK Head of Agriculture Adam Hale, Willans LLP solicitors Shirley Roberts, Hazlewoods Accountants Director Jonty Brunyee, Agroecological Farmer and Facilitator Jo Hilditch, Poultry & Fruit farmer and NFU Poultry Board Member Chaired by Olivia Midgley, Editorial Director Farmers Guardian |
| 13.15 | Willans Networking Reception Join the Willans team for refreshments and useful conversation |
|
| 13.45 | Animal welfare, Funding & Identification… Putting it all together | Helen Sheppard, Identification support lead at Allflex MSD Robert Hicks Pippa Wildern, Land agent at Webb Paton Katie Kipling, Senior farm clinician at Belmont Farm & Equine Vets Chaired by Paul Westaway, Gloucestershire livestock farmer |
| 14.30 | Dr Lousie Manning: UK Farming Grasping the Opportunities | Hosted by Nick Dee Dr Louise Manning |
| 15.00 | Redefining the Farm Balance Sheet: Integrating environmental assets in to the business | Chris Gooderham, AHDB Environmental Director Jonathan Powell, Virgin Money Agricultural Director Baroness Minette Batters |
| 15.45 | Farming with People in Mind: Teamwork, Family, Law and Wellbeing made simple | Sally Morris, MFG Rob Seeley, Rural Business Support Sam Stables, We are Farming Minds Nick Gammon & Naomi Richards, EC Drummond Chaired by Ally Hunter Blair |
| 16.30 | Farmers Club Networking Reception Members and invited guest only – please contact your member organisation directly to register |
|
| Saturday | ||
| Time | Topic | Speakers |
| 10.00 | Breakfast with Farmers Guardian | |
| 10.30 | Landscape Recovery & Local Leadership: The impact of Herefordshire Rural Hub’s Farmer-Led Initiatives | Hosted by Kate Speke-Adams, Herefordshire Rural Hub Director |
| 11.15 | An Audience with Kelvin and Liz Fletcher | Hosted by Ally Hunter Blair |
| 12.00 | The Changing Food Landscape | Awal Fuseini, AHDB Halal sector senior manager Chaired by Ruth Goodman |
| 12.45 | Collaboration in Farming: Drivers, Challenges and Implications for Finance | With Oliver Maxey, Virgin Money |
| 13.15 | Virgin Money Networking Reception Join the Virgin Money team for a friendly chat and bite to eat |
|
| 13.45 | Future Fuels | Chaired by Toby Whatley, Farmers Guardian Head of Machinery and Farm Technology |
| 14.30 | Strong Farmers, Stronger Farms: Looking after Body and Mind | Tom York, FCN Sam Stables, We are Farming Minds Chaired by Claire Whitworth, College Principle, Hartpury University and Hartpury College |
| 15.15 | Opening the Gate: New entrants, New business models and Shared growth in farming Using different business models to develop and grow farming businesses without having to buy land; bringing in new entrants and those wanting to progress |
|
| 16.00 | Rural Careers Fair | Virgin Money, Willans LLP Solicitors, Hartpury College and University, NFU/NFU Mutual, Farmers Guardian |
| 17.00 | Young Farmers Club Stock Judging Results and Awards. Open to YFC members across the country, the results will be presented in the Future of Farming Theatre. Entries can be made via this Form |
|
| Sunday | ||
| Time | Topic | Speakers |
| 10.15 | Farming for Everyone: Building inclusive and diverse agricultural communities | Meg Crossan, Barefoot Neurodiversity Consultancy founder Ben Andrews, Herefordshire Farmer Chaired by Ally Hunter Blair |
| 11.00 | An Audience with Kaleb Cooper | Hosted by Ally Hunter Blair |
| 11.45 | Kaleb’s Book Signing | |
| 12.30 | Know Your Food, Know Your Farmer: The Gloucestershire Story | Chaired by Paul Westaway, Gloucestershire farmer |
| 13.15 | From Stone Walls and Hedges to Old Barns: Making Farm Heritage Work for You | Tom Adams, Stonemasons of Worcester Christian Montez, Montez Architecture John Fisher, Willans LLP Solicitors |
| 14.00 | Making Water Work: From Flood Risk to Farm Resilience | Mike Waite, Agua DB Sarah Faulkner, Faulkner & Mayne Sustainable Agriculture Ltd |
| 14.45 | Field to Fork: The Humble Potato | Ben ‘Spudman’ Newman |
Love British Food
For 25 years Love British Food has championed hardworking farmers; showcasing diverse and delicious home-grown, seasonal produce, while forging a grassroots network across communities through a shared passion, pride and commitment to British food.
To mark the milestone anniversary of the campaign, Love British Food has an important presence at the Three Counties Show, inviting delegates directly involved in the public sector catering and hospitality sectors for an immersive agricultural experience. This includes hosting a thought-provoking debate in the Future of Farming theatre, titled ‘From farm to menu: who shapes Britain’s sustainable food future?’.
Founder, Alexia Robinson says:
“Love British Food is delighted to bring leading industry figures from across the supply chain to the Three Counties Show. It’s a chance to showcase what we do best – connecting farm and fork in real life, not just on paper.
“Our panellists, including farmers, wholesalers and catering operators, will share knowledge, insights and practical advice on what we can all do to ensure a robust domestic supply chain. This year is the 25th anniversary of our campaign activities and also the national food celebration, British Food Fortnight, that we are so proud is an established date on the national calendar.
“In all we do, we want to inspire pride in the quality food our farmers produce and share a call to action: ‘Make British produce your first choice.’ I encourage you to join us for a lively conversation in the Future of Farming theatre on Friday.”
Networking, Receptions and Advice
The Future of Farming Theatre offers more than insight into British agriculture and land management, it’s also a social hub, bringing professionals together through receptions and dedicated networking opportunities.
Additionally, a Rural Careers Fair is also held on the show Saturday from 4pm, demonstrating the breadth of opportunities in agriculture, horticulture and the rural sector.
There are also advice stands for you to visit in this area.
Get Involved
If you would like to be involved in the Future of Farming Theatre, please email Alice Arnold.
If you would like updates about the Future of Farming Theatre or about what we have to offer For Farmers as we draw closer to the show, please complete the form here.
Supporters
With thanks to the sponsors of the Future of Farming Theatre
As the nation’s most trusted farming voice, Farmers Guardian champions British agriculture through influential campaigns and award-winning news coverage, available online, in print and across social media. Farmers Guardian has been putting its arm around farmers for 182 years and will continue to do so for many more to come.
Virgin Money has a long history supporting farmers across the UK and are delighted to support the Three Counties Show and the Future of Farming Theatre for the 4th year in a row. Virgin Money dates back over a hundred years with our heritage brands and are now part of Nationwide Building Society, business banking as part of a modern mutual society. With experienced agricultural managers we work closely with farmers taking care of all their short and long term banking requirements. We understand how important it is for any agribusiness to invest in its future and are fully committed to helping our farming customers build their plans into success.
