Farm Business & Conference

Supporting British farmers is the cornerstone of the Royal Agricultural Society of England’s philosophy, so as well as bringing farmers the latest technology and science and international farming opportunities, the Show will provide a great forum for learning at its conferences, supported by Farm Business.

Royal Show Conference

Lively debate and informative key note speakers are planned for the Royal Show Conference which will take place in the Warwick complex on the Thursday & Friday of the Show. Thursday’s focus is on The Big Issues for British Farming: Food Security, Water and the Global Commodities Market. Friday will see key speakers on ‘Food Service and British Food Opportunities’. This will include a Michelin Star fine dining chef, Waitrose, a catering butcher and case studies from farmers who have been innovative in diversifying their businesses and capitalising on the British Food revolution!

For more details on the conference, please click here (17KB).

Open Debate
Listen to the Minister…
…and then have your say on changes in the Government’s animal disease policy

Thursday July 3rd 2008, 2.30pm to 3.30pm in the Milverton Suite, Avenue H (Bankers Row) Grid Reference H17

The Government has announced plans to change the way that animal diseases are handled and who pays the bills. It is asking farmers to take a greater share of the responsibility for disease management and control and in turn it wants farmers to contribute to the cost of eradication. This special Royal Show Seminar is designed to give livestock farmers a chance to have their say on the changes – directly to the Defra Minister in charge. This is a unique opportunity to make your voice heard on a crucial area of national livestock policy. Mark Hudson will chair the session, Professor Joe Brownlie will speak on the disease management strategy and Lord Rooker will open the debate on Responsibility and Cost Sharing. Come along and have your say.

Agricultural Features

Farming features are an integral part of the Royal Show and 2008 is no exception. For details about farming content at this year’s show please read below and click on the following links.

New Energy & Sustainability Park. This area features a wide variety of exhibitors showcasing boilers, ground source heat pumps and various renewable energy sources. Within the Park there will also feature an exclusive Business to Business area that will hold small seminars run by the ESP exhibitors providing ideal networking opportunities as well as a chance to find out what they offer and how they fall into the Energy and Sustainability markets. The Park will definitely be worth a visit. To find out more click here (15KB)

National Federation of Young Farmers will also be running national competitions. To find out more click here

Please click here (43KB) for the schedule of Young Farmers competitions.

The ever-popular Smallholder area focuses on practical advice with a dedicated marquee full of organisations and enthusiasts who have the experience, knowledge, market information and understanding of what smaller farmers need. Outdoors in this area is a showcase of different animals suitable for a smallholding including Kune Kune Pigs and Alpacas.

Seminar Programme

Free to attend for all visitors, the Royal Show Seminar Programme has been developed this year to offer all visitors a chance to learn more about current key issues and new developments in farming, agriculture and sustainability.

These talks and presentations will be relaxed and informal with plenty of chances to ask questions and discuss the issues with experts in a wide range of subjects, including renewable energy, growing bio-fuels, food testing, long-range weather forecasting, global food security, and more.

The public presentations are free to attend in the Global Science and Business Centre (International area), opposite the International Village and near the Grand Ring.

Seating will be limited so come early to grab your place!

Check the current Seminar Programme here.

International Opportunities & Networking for UK Farmers

Responding to the need for increased solutions-driven science content, the International area expands considerably to incorporate the new Global Science and Business Centre (GSBC). Dedicated to transferring technology to a UK and international audience, the Centre will showcase UK and international science, technology and services to both UK and international visitors.

The GSBC will also include representation from the major UK agricultural sectors, UK and overseas trade and business and UK government trade and regulatory advice.

The International Village also grows to include more country stands with representatives wanting to develop trade links with new markets and promoting their countries. Country stands have already been confirmed from Ghana, Texas, Falkland Island and the Tropical Agriculture Association, with several other country stands in the pipeline.

The Farming and Rural Business (FRB) area of the Show is dedicated to all sectors of the UK farming industry and features UK agri-businesses aimed at providing advice and solutions for farm business and their needs for greater flexibility and profitability. Exhibits here focus on livestock (a fantastic display of most cattle, pig and sheep breeds), machinery, crop demonstration plots, non-food crops, renewable technology, rural business and innovation, practical solutions, education, and land maintenance.