Speaking after the inaugural Northern Farming Conference, held on Friday 15 October, Harry Chrisp - farmer, solicitor and Chairman of the organising Committee - said: “We had well over 200 people attend the event today at Newcastle racecourse. They were treated to a range of expert and entertaining speakers, providing policy, technical and practical advice for those involved in the agricultural industry.”

The key note speaker was Lord Henley, Defra Under Secretary of State, who provided a valuable insight into the thinking of the new coalition Government with regard to the agricultural sector.

“A real highlight of the event was the impassioned speech by Stuart Nelson, who farms and brings up a young family in the shadow of Cheviot. He told of the hardships and pleasures of his way of life and his fears for the future, so connecting the policy issues with the harsh realities of farming life.

“Even after a long day of conference, there was a real buzz amongst the audience at the end of the event” added Harry, “The feedback has so far been really positive and reflected the quality of the speakers. There does seem to be a real appetite to make this a regular event.”

The Conference was sponsored and organised by Strutt & Parker, the CLA, the Environment Agency, FWAG, Dickinson Dees Solicitors and the England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative.

For a list of speakers and further information see www.northernfarmingconference.org.uk