“It seems the sector isn’t divided after all – we all want thriving businesses, people and natural world.”, concluded Silas Hedley-Lawrence after speaking at the fourth annual Kent Farming Conference, organised by the Kent County Agricultural Society, on Wednesday 22nd January 2025.
With a record turnout of farmers and businesses from across the agricultural sector, the event was an opportunity for industry professionals to gain further insight into the sectors hot topic and how implementing changes on-farm could impact their business and the environment.
Agricultural Youtuber and Forage Aid founder, Andrew Ward MBE, returned to the Kent Farming Conference to host the evenings talks after a successful guest appearance at last year’s conference. Andrew was joined by founder of Grass Fed Farmer, Silas Hedley-Lawrence and former NFU president and AHDB chair, Sir Peter Kendall, who took to the stage as guest speakers. With all three approaching the topic of regenerative farming from unique perspectives informed by years of agricultural experience, they delivered fascinating insight into a complex and nuanced topic.
Following the evening’s keynote speeches, local farmers Douglas Wanstall and Peter Bromley joined the guest speakers on stage to form a panel for a lively Q&A session. As the evening’s talks concluded, attendees were invited to stay for a complimentary supper and networking.
Matthew Cullen, from the Kent County Agricultural Society’s Board of Directors, said:
“The success of this year’s Kent Farming Conference on regenerative farming shows the importance of our ongoing commitment to addressing current issues in agriculture. The increased attendance, positive feedback, engagement with expert speakers and networking opportunities, highlight the need to create a platform for our local farming community to get together and share ideas. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of this year’s conference, we look forward to the continued growth and impact of these types of events in the years to come.”
The fifth annual Kent Farming Conference will take place at the Kent Showground on Wednesday 21st January 2026. Topic and speakers to be announced later this year.
The Kent County Agricultural Society would like to thank the following for their generous sponsorship of the Kent Farming Conference 2025:
South East Farmer, Azets, Brachers, NFU Mutual Kent branches, Crawfords Group, Wilson Wraight and Forestry England.
