Northern Farming Conference 2025 – Focus on what you can control in uncertain times

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The 2025 Northern Farming Conference proved to be one of the most impactful yet, bringing together 230 farmers, industry experts and politicians at Hexham Auction Mart on 5th November. Under the theme 'People, Planning and Profit: Building a Resilient Future for Farming', the event could not have been more timely.

With UK agriculture policy standing at a ‘pivot point’, the conference delivered clear messages about the challenges ahead and the practical steps farmers can take to navigate them.

A wake-up call on profitability

The highlight of the conference was hearing from Baroness Minette Batters, just days after she submitted her Farm Profitability Review to DEFRA. Her timing was impeccable as farmers across the country are grappling with the reality of policy changes.

Baroness Batters warned that the Government must urgently implement the 57 recommendations in her report if farming is to remain viable. Her 50,000-word review will influence the National Land Use Framework, the Food Strategy and the Farming Roadmap.

What resonated with all of us was her acknowledgement of the stark economic reality facing farmers, and she made it clear that DEFRA needs to work more closely with farmers. There needs to be a well-thought-out, long-term plan for farming and food as one. A plan that works for the whole supply chain and doesn't just look at farming on one hand, and the supply chains and food security on the other, as they're all interlinked.

Focus on your business

The conference also heard from Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser at the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, whose experience and insight is valued throughout the industry. He gave his views on where policy would and wouldn't change, and his headline was that we're at a pivot point in UK agriculture in terms of Government policy.

While we should all support industry bodies like the NFU in lobbying government, his key message was that farmers should not waste time waiting for a U-turn that may never come. Instead, everyone should be focusing on their own business, doing the planning they need to do, and not getting hung up on protesting that will change it all.

This was echoed by Alistair Carmichael MP, Chair of the EFRA Committee, who updated delegates on the substantial work being undertaken to hold the Government to account. While political pressure continues, the message to farmers was consistent: prepare, plan and act now.

Learning from those who are making it work

The afternoon panel of five farmers from across the north of England and southern Scotland brought the conference's themes to life. What stood out was their common approach: focus on what you can control and influence. Focus on your own business. Don't chase output if it isn't profitable.

These farmers demonstrated that it's possible to look at less intensive ways of farming that may actually be more profitable. They talked about using soils and sustainability more effectively, doing what they're capable of doing well rather than overextending. It wasn't about giving up farming - it was about adapting and being smart.

All five are passionate about what they are doing, understand the challenges that government policies are creating, but are determined to keep pushing on and run their businesses proactively rather than letting external pressures defeat them. The focus throughout was on figures and profit rather than just turnover.

Beyond the farm gate

Cat Thorn, known as the Morning Game Changer, spoke about positive habit formation. She explained how changing morning habits and daily routines can make you more effective without being any busier - in fact, by being quieter. With mental well-being under such pressure in farming at the moment, and with the anxieties created by policy changes and unpredictable weather, it was refreshing to see that many farmers engaged with her message and took something valuable away.

What does this mean for your business?

The conference reinforced several key principles. Firstly, that time is not on our side. While some are still hoping for an olive branch from the government over Inheritance Tax reforms, the reality is that change is likely coming whether we like it or not, and those who prepare now will be in a far stronger position.

Farmers must focus on profitability, not just productivity. It's about sustainable profit margins, not simply increasing output if that output isn't profitable. You need to understand your business inside out - know your figures, your costs, your profit centres. This benchmark is essential before you can plan where you want to go.

Whether it's financial advice, environmental consultancy, or mental well-being support, there are people who can help, and farmers don’t need to go it alone. Those who are succeeding are willing to seek guidance and learn from others.

Armstrong Watson is proud to be part of the organising committee for the Northern Farming Conference, and this annual event is our way of putting something back into the industry and ensuring grassroots farmers have access to the best information and expertise available.

The 2025 conference provided policy insight, practical farming experience, and business advice, giving farmers the chance to step back from the day-to-day pressures and think strategically about the future.

There are practical steps every farming business can take, whether that's reviewing your cost base, exploring options for diversification or accessing available schemes, and action is better than waiting.