As I write this week's English Apple Man Journal, The Oxford Farming Conference is drawing to an end
This annual event is an important event where all factions of British Farming are represented. In this Journal The EAM tries to pass on some of the key messages from the Oxford Farming Conference
Now in its 90th year, the Oxford Farming Conference is a key date in the farming calendar. Taking place from January 7-9 at the Examination Schools in the city's historic High Street, the event brings together politicians. industry leaders and farmers to discuss key issues affecting the agricultural sector.
"Growing Resilience", running from 7th to 9th January, will mark an opportunity to celebrate our incredible sector and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing world, the opportunities ahead for current and future generations, and a valued legacy, passed on by previous generations.
OFC states: "We will also reflect on the resilience, strength and significant moments of the OFC over the last 90 years. Looking back to 1936 when OFC was first launched, our motto remains true today as it did all those years ago - to "challenge and inspire", not only those who attend but the wider industry. And we are extremely proud that in recent years we have added "include", highlighting our continued commitment that OFC is welcoming and accessible to all.
As we look to the future with hope and optimism, "Growing Resilience" will allow us to explore what is coming next and how we can ensure that our people, our farm businesses, and our environment continues to grow and develop in a resilient manner
Making her OFC debut, Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds will be hoping for a warmer welcome than was meted out to her predecessor Steve Reed last year when she takes to the stage on Thursday.
Delivering the keynote address and fresh on the back of the Government U-turn on Inheritance Tax, Ms Reynolds will also take questions from the audience.
She will be joined by Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity at the Scottish Government; Welsh Government's Huw Irranca-Davies, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs; and Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland.
The theme of this year's event is 'Growing Resilience' and there will be appearances from Baroness Minette Batters, following the publication of her Farm Profitability Review and also NFU president Tom Bradshaw.
UK Farming - Grasping the Opportunities: The OFC26 Report - Sponsored by Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust
Dr Louise Manning, Managing Director at LJM Associates Ltd, will present the OFC Report, supported by the Frank Parkinson Agricultural Trust, who have been supporting the conference for 25 years. This will focus on agriculture's future opportunities, providing insights and recommendations gathered from both the UK and across the world, exploring how the sector can benefit and grow its resilience.
The premiss for the report and the wider conference is how UK Agriculture might evolve into a mission-led, agile and opportunity driven industry, with people that can adapt to embrace the future.
Dr Louise Manning has worked for over 40 years undertaking consultancy work to inform strategy, policy, business productivity and personal development in the agri-food sector. She was Professor of Sustainable Agri-food Systems at the
Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology, University of Lincoln from 2022-2025 following other senior academic roles. Louise is
Managing Director of a strategic consultancy business, LJM Associates Ltd, a director of her family farming
business and provides ongoing strategic and governance support to charities, businesses and governments. She has a strong background in applied research and promoting innovation in food governance, business ethics, supply chain
digitalisation, social and corporate responsibility.
She has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and has also written and edited multiple books and book chapters, as well as being active on mainstream and social media.
Click on: OFC Programme
Partner Event: Niab, and Growing Kent and Medway - Farming Profitability: Place-based innovation and investment for resilience.
Sponsored by Niab, and Growing Kent and Medway
Join this partner session, in room 11 from 8am to 9am, with Niab, and Growing Kent and Medway. Baroness Minette Batters will present the Farm Profitability Review recommendations.
This presentation will be introduced by Dr David Buckeridge, chair of Niab Board, and Simon Barnes, Programme Director of Growing Kent & Medway. They will argue for increased collaboration between industry, policymakers, and research (the 'triple helix') to transform the food system.
Efra chair and farm supporter Alistair Carmichael will speak on how to 'Grow Trade Resilience' while Jack Bobo, executive director at UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, is among other industry notables considering 'The Future of Farming'.
The Defra team is also taking part in a session with Frontier Agriculture, on how to build resilience in the rural economy. This session will consider the direction of travel for farming in England, exploring themes of growth, profitability, and building the confidence needed to plan and invest for the future.
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has announced details of its renowned Oxford Union Debate, which returns as part of the 2026 programme with a motion inspired by the conference's 90th anniversary:
"This house believes that in the next 90 years farming will become a one day-a-week job."
Taking place on Thursday 8th January 2026, the debate, sponsored by Savills, Thrings Solicitors and Pinion Global Network, will close the second day of the conference before delegates gather for the Christ Church Dinner.
Friday starts bright and early with several partner breakfast events, including the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) - 'Will You Still Need Me? Will You Still Feed Me?' which looks ahead at the risks and opportunities for farming, against a backdrop of changing markets, land use and climate over the next decade.
The closing keynote speakers will look at the past, current and future featuring Dame Fiona Reynolds, and farm business consultant and FCN volunteer Tom York, bringing different perspectives.
This week's Journal only touches on some elements of the Oxford Farming Conference 2026. The farming Press will expand on much more over the coming weeks, and The English Apple Man will where possible report on high profile elements.
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man