On Tuesday 24th November 2026, farmers, landowners, and industry professionals will come together at the Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, for the next Future of Farming event. This standalone event is free to attend and follows on from the discussion at Royal Three Counties Show, which is organised by Three Counties Agricultural Society every year, and will provide a forum to discuss the key business challenges facing the agricultural sector, including financial sustainability, policy changes, and succession planning. Topics will include building financial resilience, navigating budgets and planning for succession – decisions that will help shape the future of farming in the UK.
This year’s theme ‘Optimising Markets, Money and People’, will examine how businesses can protect profitability, navigate economic pressures, and build stronger foundations for the future. The day will provide insights and guidance to help navigate change and prepare for what comes next. Future of Farming is an industry-leading event designed for professionals across the agricultural sector including farmers, forward-thinking landowners, and agricultural consultants.
The day begins at 10am with the first session getting underway at 10.30am as Robert Gardner, Chief Economist at Nationwide, examines the wider economic forces on agriculture and the impacts on farming businesses, including the implications of the Autumn Budget.
At 11am, Dr. Louise Manning who has over 40 years of experience shaping the agri-food sector, will lead Mind Your Margin: Surviving and Thriving. Louise, alongside an agricultural consultant, will discuss how understanding of the economy can be converted to farm thinking and planning, protect margins, and help businesses plan with greater confidence.
From 11.45am, Michael Mack of The Rural Consultant, and Sam Thornton of Willans LLP, will explore the dynamics of working with family, business partners, and employees in the agricultural sectors.
The session titled “From Kitchen Table to Farm Office: Getting Everyone on the Same Page” will focus on how to navigate difficult conversations, understand different drivers, and agree on shared objectives, considering what it takes to turn individual ambitions into a common vision for the business.
Following lunch, at 1.15pm, specialist breakout sessions will give attendees the opportunity to explore key issues in greater depth, with contributions from Nationwide, Willans LLP, and other industry specialists.
Money Work will examine cash flow, debt structures, and how to make the most of credit balances in an unpredictable financial climate.
People Puzzle will consider how farming businesses evolve as they grow, from strengthening family and team relationships to developing shared goals, managing change, and addressing recruitment, retention, and employment law.
The popular Farmers’ Q&A allows guests to put real-world challenges directly to professionals and specialists. Questions can be submitted in advance or on the day.
The day concludes at 2.30pm, with professionals and specialists available for continued discussion.
Jonathan Powell, Director of Agriculture, National Sectors Agriculture Team at Nationwide said:
“We have been proud partners of the Three Counties Agricultural Society for several years, and supporting this event is another way of demonstrating our commitment to farmers and the long-term success of their businesses. Understanding markets, managing money, and building strong relationships are all essential to running a successful farm. The Three Counties Future of Farming session brings these issues together, giving farmers the opportunity to hear from the experts, ask questions, and explore how they can achieve their ambitions.“
“As a funder of the agricultural sector, we look forward to discussing farmers’ plans and sharing practical insights that can help them make informed decisions for the future of their business.”
Sam Thornton, partner at Willans LLP said:
“Farming businesses are facing significant economic and operational pressures, but some of the most important conversations happen around people, not just profit. Whether it’s succession planning, bringing the next generation into the business, managing family dynamics or supporting employees through change, having clear communication and shared objectives is essential. We are looking forward to being part of the Future of Farming event and discussing practical ways farming families and businesses can work together to build resilience and plan confidently for the future.”
Event details:
- Event: Three Counties Future of Farming
- Theme: Optimising Markets, Money and People
- Date: Tuesday, 24 November 2026
- Arrival: 10am for coffee and pastries
- Forum: 10.30am–2.30pm, with specialists available afterwards
Sponsors: Nationwide (formerly Virgin Money), Farmers Guardian and Willans LLP
The event, which includes a complimentary light lunch, is free of charge, however online registration in advance is required and can be made at:
Thanks to Nationwide, Farmers Guardian and Willans LLP for their support.
