There are numerous opportunities for farmers looking to diversify their businesses – this was the message from keynote speakers at Farm Business Innovation at the NEC in Birmingham earlier this month (Nov 2^ndand 3^rd).

Ian Bell of peer lending platform Folk 2 Folk said that the current climate in the UK brought great opportunities. “The rise in staycations, the climate emergency, Brexit, levelling up agenda and cost of living crisis all provide opportunities for farmers looking to diversify.”

Suffolk dairy farmer and award-winning cheese-maker Jonny Crickmore agreed, adding that opportunities are everywhere. He advised farmers to think about all their assets and what business prospects they offered, then consider which were appealing to them and made financial sense. “If you don’t enjoy it, it’s not going to work. But don’t run before you can walk. Test things out and see what works. Most importantly, never stop learning,” he urged.

Other farmers sharing first-hand experiences of diversification included Ally Hunter Blair who has equestrian and glamping businesses on his Herefordshire farm. He encouraged fellow farmers to take a leap of faith: “Use your skillset and learn from your mistakes. Don’t see barriers on your farms, see opportunities. Look into your business with fresh eyes.”

William Roobottom outlined the scope for promoting farm-based businesses on social media. He has developed an extensive following through sharing videos about his sheep flock and encouraged farmers to have a go. “Be honest and be authentic because that is what people want to see.”

Other keynote speakers included Patrick Wrixon who encouraged farmers and landowners to consider care farming. His care farm in Herefordshire provides opportunities for people with mental health problems to benefit from spending time outside. “Our overall aim is to enable people to reach a point where they can manage their own health in a sustainable way,” he said.

Tom Bell, Vice President Business Development for cottages.com said: “It was fantastic returning to the Farm Business Innovation show this year as keynote sponsors. This allowed us to share customer insights and key learnings from the last 12 months within the world of holiday letting. The event remains a key date in our calendar and we look forward to catching up with everyone in 2023.”

As well as the extensive speaker programme, Farm Business Innovation provided an opportunity to meet experts and suppliers. The exhibitor halls were filled with businesses offering everything from consultancy and advice services to safari tents and glamping pods, renewable energy solutions, hot tubs and playground equipment.

One farmer visitor said he had ordered wood-fired hot tubs and a gas fired generator which would save his holiday business hundreds of pounds on electricity each month. He had also made connections with service providers which had the potential to save him money on insurance and internet provision. “It’s the best show I’ve ever been to,” he said. “10 out of 10, it’s been brilliant.”

Another show feature was the Farm Business Innovation Award which was presented to Dairy Vending for its vending machines which enable dairy farmers to produce and sell milkshakes and other products direct from the farm. Winner of the Sustainability Award was Inch Perfect Trials which offers trail bike experience days and is sole UK importer and retailer of EM, a fully electric trial and trail bike popular on farms for their sustainability credentials and low noise.

Farm Business Innovation was held alongside Family Attraction Expo, Leisure Food & Beverage and Holiday Park & Resort Innovation which were organised by Agriconnect for the first time this year.

Nichola Bell, Head of Events for Agriconnect said: “It was great to see so many farmers at the show looking for ideas on how to take their businesses forward. It’s an exciting time for us at Agriconnect too with this being our first year running these events. As a team we have plenty of ideas on how to make the shows even better in 2023 and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the NEC on 15 and 16 November.”