Building Resilient Farms Together – The Resilient Farm Roadshow
Building resilience from the ground up
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword, it’s becoming one of the defining challenges for British farming. From climate extremes to volatile markets, farmers across the UK are being asked to adapt, innovate, and reimagine what sustainable production looks like. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce the Resilient Farm Roadshow – a new series of five regional events delivered in partnership between AHDB and Agricology. Together, we’re taking practical, forward-thinking ideas for resilient farming on the road, helping farmers everywhere to share, learn, and connect.
A nationwide collaboration
Between November 2024 and March 2025, the roadshow will visit five regions across the UK, celebrating the diversity and innovation in British agriculture:
Each stop will feature a headline keynote from Stephen Briggs, alongside regional experts who are leading the way in building resilient farm systems. Lunch, refreshments, and plenty of space for open discussion and networking are all part of the day.
Stephen Briggs: resilience through soil, systems, and strategy
Stephen, organic farmer, consultant, and long-time advocate for resilient, nature-based farming, will be at the centre of every event. His keynote will take a deep dive into what resilience really means for UK agriculture, not just at the field level but across whole farm systems. Expect insights on:
- Land use change – how historical shifts are shaping modern farming.
- Climate projections to 2040 and their implications for UK agriculture.
- Risk and resilience in farm business planning and decision-making.
- Soil health and system design – from intercropping to agroforestry.
- Whole farm systems and circular thinking for long-term stability.
Local voices, regional expertise
Each event will spotlight local experts sharing how they’re future –proofing their farming businesses:
Scotland – 21 November
- David Aglen – Farm manager at Inverarity Farms Ltd, where he is developing regenerative systems with a particular focus on soil health and fertility.
- Dr Cathy Hawes & Andrew Christie – Cathy and Andrew will share some of the lessons learned from the 15 years of data gathered from the Centre for Sustainable Cropping on regenerative farming, biodiversity, and yield at the James Hutton Institute.
“Moving towards regenerative production systems has many potential benefits in terms of reducing environmental impact and improving biodiversity and soil health, but also comes with an element of risk and uncertainty for growers. We are looking forward to the opportunity to highlight what works and what doesn’t and discuss strategies and ideas for overcoming barriers for growers.” – Dr Cathy Hawes
East – 28 November
- Tom McVeigh – A forward-thinking mixed farmer and Nuffield Scholar from East Anglia, Tom’s family 450-acre farm is being transformed through strip farming, agroforestry, and polyculture – blending science and nature to boost biodiversity and reduce inputs.
North – 4 March
- Richard Bramley – Farming at Manor Farm, North Yorkshire, Richard focuses on resilience and sustainability through habitat creation, cover cropping, and soil carbon management.
- Angus Gowthorpe – Founder of the Green Farm Collective and UK Cover Crop Guide, Angus runs a 550-acre mixed farm championing soil health and biodiversity.
Regional speakers for the South and West events will be announced soon – sign up to the Agricology newsletter for updates.
Why resilience matters
Resilient farms can adapt, bounce back, and keep producing – even when things go wrong. Climate variability, rising input costs, pest pressure, and shifting policy all test the limits of conventional systems. Building resilience means:
- Healthier, more biologically active soils.
- Diverse, adaptive cropping systems.
- Smarter resource use and reduced dependency.
- Greater flexibility to weather economic and environmental shocks.
Join us
The Resilient Farm Roadshow promises to be a great series of events – it’s a chance to connect with other forward-thinking farmers, exchange ideas, and take-home practical strategies to strengthen your farm business for the future.
Lunch, conversation, and fresh ideas guaranteed!
Author:
Published date:
23rd October 2025Related farming theme:
Key Farming Practices:
- Companion crops
- Cover crops
- Direct drilling
- Diverse rotation
- Encouraging beneficial insects
- Habitat creation
- Intercropping
- Leys in crop rotations
- Minimum Tillage
- Relay cropping
- Silvoarable
- Silvohorticulture
- Soil monitoring
Organisation(s):
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)
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