The Three Counties Farming Conference organised in association with Bruton Knowles returns next Thursday 17th November with a heavy-hitting panel to discuss some of the practical issues that are likely to face farmers in the next few years.

Taking place at the Three Counties Showground with the stunning backdrop of the Malvern Hills, the conference has established a reputation for strong debate and exceptional speakers in recent years.

Bruton Knowles Head of Rural Philip Cowen said: “Many of the region’s farmers and landowners are facing a period of significant change and reorganisation in their businesses.

“With recent advances in science and technology on one hand being set against regulatory, fiscal and legal constraints on the other, we are all facing an increasingly complex world where straightforward solutions can be difficult to find.

“The Three Counties Farming Conference has led the way in shedding light on specific topics of interest, and the Bruton Knowles rural team are delighted to be continuing our leading Association with the Conference once again in 2016. The headline debate in respect of genetic modification will be particularly relevant to many farmer’s as they make their business plans to cover the next 5 or so years.”

The 2016 conference introduces a selection of new afternoon workshops at the earlier than usual start time of 2pm, featuring a collection of top names in the industry including NFU, DEFRA and Severn Trent Water. The Afternoon Workshops look at subjects as diverse as soil nutrition to grants available to farmers, planning for farm succession and the NFU’s position on Brexit.

Headlining the bill for the afternoon conference are Nuffield Scholars, Chris Lloyd and Michael Miller.

Both Chris and Michael have been involved in the world of agriculture for the whole of their careers, albeit in very different spheres. Chris is supported by the Three Counties for his study on ‘Improving financial management for smaller farmers’ and is an active board member for the society. Michael is a 2014 Nuffield Scholar who’s research sheep grazing and pastoral farming is sure to be of great interest to the delegates of the conference.

The evening conference guarantees lively debate with an impressive panel of experts.

Hosting the evening this year is BBC reporter and presenter Tom Heap.

Joining the discussion will be Graham Brookes, an agricultural economist and consultant from PG Economics Ltd, Helen Ferrier, Chief Science and Regulatory Affairs Advisor at the NFU, Mark Lynas, Author and former Anti GMO Activist and Professor Denis Murphy from the University of South Wales.

Delegates will have the opportunity of posing their own questions and a poll will be conducted posing the question of ‘Feeding Britain and the World- Is GM the answer?’.

The results will be published later.

One of the main focuses for The Three Counties Farming Conference is its support of farmers at the start of their careers.

A wide variety of trade stands will feature at the conference offering advice, support and opportunities for anyone wanting to pursue a career in agriculture. Students are further supported with a discounted ticket.

The Three Counties Farming Conference takes place on Thursday 17 November from 2pm. Tickets are now on sale priced at £18 per person or £9 for students, including supper served after the debate. For information please visit www.threecounties.co.uk/farmingconference or call 01684 584 924.