EBLEX and the NFU are hosting two conferences focussed on helping upland farmers develop profitable farming businesses.

The free events in February will bring together key speakers from the industry to help farmers look at the future of upland farming. Management of the uplands was the subject of intense debate at the two Oxford farming conferences this year.

The first of the two events take places on 3^rd February in Devon and the second on 5^th Feb in North Yorkshire.

Speakers from HSBC, universities and law firms specialising in the rural sector will discuss the different aspects of upland farming, including grassland and livestock production, farm business planning, succession and cutting edge research and science.

Farmers from the two regions will also be on hand to talk about the challenges and opportunities on their farms.

Clive Brown, EBLEX Head of Regional Development commented, "We recognise the increasing challenges of farming in the uplands and our aim is to help farmers optimise the performance of their business. The main technical focus of the events is managing grassland performance and utilisation whilst maximising environmental benefits in the uplands."

Robin Milton, chair of the NFU Uplands Group, said, "I don’t think there is one right answer [to upland farming]. You really have to only take on what fits your farming business. Be critical of yourself but do what you're comfortable with. Look objectively and make informed choices based on agri-environment schemes and such like.

"There has been a lot of uncertainty facing hill farmers over the past 18 months with a number of contributing factors such as the weather, rising costs and disease leading to hill farmers getting less for their produce while facing increasing production costs. It is absolutely vital these farmers are treated fairly and rewarded for their hard work if they are to keep on delivering for future generations."