Farming is facing a multitude of challenges. As BPS is phased out, input costs increase and a challenging operating climate, businesses are looking for a way to be more resilient, for less. That means many are looking to the future to see what changes they can make – both incremental and significant – for their businesses to adapt and survive.
Room for business growth
In this NFU Live session hosted by Vice-President David Exwood, you will hear from three Student and Young Farmer Ambassadors about their experience with topics such as regenerative agriculture and and why they see a place for it in the succession and future of their farms.
They will share their stories and explain the very real challenges, opportunities and pitfalls they’ve experienced, and explain why they think there is room for growth when taking over the farming business.
Meet the panel
David Exwood
NFU Vice President
David farms south of Horsham in West Sussex with his wife and two sons over 1200 tenanted hectares in the heart of the Sussex Weald.
Starting in 1989 with 70ha the business now has arable, dairy beef, Sussex suckler herd and sheep enterprises. In 2003 the Farm Shop opened and sells a wide range of food from the Victorian stable yard at Westons.
He has served previously within the NFU as Branch Chair, West Sussex Council Delegate, South East Regional Chair as well as four years on Governance Board.
David was elected to the position of NFU Vice President in February 2022.
Officeholder responsibility
- Plant health
- Competitiveness and productivity
- BPS Transition (NELMs/BPS)
- Regulation review and enforcement
- Planning, housing, rural development
- Agricultural transport
- Agriculture supply chain relations
- Infrastructure (HS2, Roads etc)
- Rural broadband and mobile communications
- Health, safety and wellbeing
- Rural crime
Emily Marshall
Student & Young Farmer Ambassador, North East
Emily hopes that the Student & Young Farmer programme will give her the opportunities to learn how she can advocate for UK agriculture in this way.
Mike Wilkins
Student & Young Farmer Ambassador, South West
He grew up on his family’s arable farm in Wiltshire and subsequently studied agriculture at the RAU. He now manages a 3200-acre mixed estate in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, and still also helps out on the family farm. As an ambassador, he wants to be a champion and advocate for the fantastic work the industry is doing for food and the environment.
Thomas McVeigh
Student & Young Farmer Ambassador, East Anglia
Thomas believes this moment in time is crucial for the future of the industry. As one of only a few young people in agriculture he feels it’s important to make every effort to be part of the discourse as our future's being shaped by decisions made today.
Will Oliver
NFU Combinable Crops Board appointee