Farming focus – January 2026

Actionable tools for farmers to make a difference to farm safety and their wellbeing will be shared at the first-ever Yorkshire Farming Conference, in a workshop headed up by NFU deputy president, David Exwood.

David, a national voice for UK agriculture in his role at the National Farmers Union, is the latest high-profile speaker to join the line-up for the Yorkshire Farming Conference. Organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and taking place on Wednesday 28th January at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, the conference will feature a packed trade show, networking opportunities and a series of talks and workshops.

As a farmer himself, in West Sussex, David will chair the Farming Safe – Farming Strong session, which will offer a fresh take on farm safety and wellbeing: no lectures, just real stories and actionable tools for the benefit of everyone in farming.

It will be a frank, peer-led and positive conversation, showcasing the lived experience of farmers.

David said: “Farming is one of the most rewarding professions, but it remains one of the most dangerous.
“Too many families are left devastated by preventable accidents each year and that’s why it’s vital we keep talking openly about safety and wellbeing as an industry.

“Our campaign pledge, asking members to Take Five on farm safety, means even small changes, from taking a moment to pause, wearing a helmet and checking your machinery, can save lives.

“I’m looking forward to the discussion and to working together on building the cultural shift we need.
“By sharing our experiences and focusing on practical steps, we can build the confidence to make safety an everyday habit so we can all get home safe at the end of the working day.”

Jill Gray, farmer and chair of the Yorkshire Rural Support Network said: “This workshop will hopefully encourage our farming community to ask for support if they are struggling with mental health, and to consider all the consequences of taking risks when working on the farm. Farmers, we are not indestructible. It’s okay to ask for support.”

Tickets for the Yorkshire Farming Conference are available to purchase online in advance only and are priced £25 plus VAT. To buy tickets, for more details and upcoming announcements about the conference line-up, visit yorkshirefarmingconference.co.uk.