Here, Allister Nixon, the Society’s CEO, reflects on a positive first Yorkshire Farming Conference and signposts to other opportunities for farmers.
Is there anything more satisfying in professional life than seeing the next generation really fly in their chosen path?
It was hugely pleasing to see younger people in farming take to the stage during the Society’s Yorkshire Farming Conference last month.
Among the younger speakers were North Yorkshire farmer Stephen Frankland and West Yorkshire-based farm administrator Megan Hall, who talked about their experiences of participating in the Society’s Goodall Agri-Development Pathway, a fully-funded training programme to support the development of farming’s next generation.
Both Stephen (pictured left, above) and Megan (pictured centre, above) have honed their skills and grown their confidence to the point where they were prepared to speak publicly about their personal and professional development journeys, at an event that attracted more than 700 other farming people.
I’m grateful that they did so because it is so important that people getting started in the industry are aware of the support that is available as they seek to take the next steps in their careers.
Third Goodall intake gets started
Now in its third year, 12 more young people in the industry get started on their year-long Goodall Pathway with us this week.
Across eight modules, they will take training in things like working in a team, growing a farm business and sustainable farming practices, finishing with a European study trip.
One of the Pathway modules is Media Training with rural affairs journalist Anna Jones, who is also bringing a separate workshop to the Great Yorkshire Showground on 12-13 May.
Anna is pictured below, speaking at the Yorkshire Farming Conference.
The Just Farmers workshop aims to help farmers articulate their farming stories confidently, empowering another group of farmers to engage with the public and ultimately build important public sentiment for buying quality, fresh, local produce. Take a look here for details.
Having the confidence to land these messages with consumers is a valuable thing, and more farmers in Yorkshire are being encouraged by LEAF to consider getting involved in Open Farm Sunday this year, when, on Sunday 7 June, farms across the country are encouraged to open their gates to the public and showcase the work that farmers do producing food, nurturing nature and protecting the environment for future generations. Find out more at farmsunday.org
Farming-focused first aid training
Coming up next from the Society, we are holding first aid training with the F3A charity at Farmer Copleys in Pontefract on Monday 9 March.
This is a repeat of the successful, fully-booked training day we held recently at Wharfedale Auction Mart and provides support on how to deal with life threatening incidents and accidents on-farm.
Places on this course are now fully booked but look out for future opportunities to take this training.
In a stark and poignant reminder of the importance of farm safety, 28 pairs of wellies, each representing a life lost in agriculture in 2025, either to farm accidents or suicide, were lined up on a stage at the Yorkshire Farming Conference.
Supper On Us and wellbeing support
There are two more diary dates and invitations to highlight – with bookings now being taken for both.
Farmers are invited to enjoy an informal, social get-together at the Society’s next ‘Supper On Us’ event, at Fodder – Great Yorkshire Food Hall on the evening of Tuesday 24 March.
It’s an occasion specifically for farmers and members of farming families to get together and enjoy a relaxed evening over a free meal in the spirit of friendship and community.
You do not need to be a member of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society to come along but places do need to be booked in advance to inform catering.
All the details, including how to book, can be found here.
A day later, on Wednesday 25 March, the Society will be holding wellbeing support training for allied industry professionals, 10am-2pm at the Regional Agricultural Centre at the Great Yorkshire Showground.
Places are free, as we team up with FCN to specifically support anyone who comes into direct contact with farmers as part of their professional duties.
Find out more and book, here.
