FINAL preparations are being made for two farming events being held at the Pavilions of Harrogate this month.

The Women In Farming annual conference, which will take place on October 15, will feature a series of guest speakers, a question and answer session, lunch and networking.

Guest speakers will include Becky Waring, owner of Cherry View Milk, near Beverley; Emma Mosey, co-owner of Minskip Farm Shop, near Boroughbridge, and Sophie Throup, head of senior agricultural corporate affairs at Morrisons.

Kate Dale, Yorkshire Rural Support Network co-ordinator, said: “During yet another year of uncertainty for both individuals and businesses, the day

offers a welcome diversion from politics to hear from those who are ‘keeping calm and carrying on’ in true Yorkshire style.

“Women can often be the motivators for change and can play a pivotal role in offering an alternative dimension, that is not to say that men are more than welcome to join the day too.”

Nigel Pulling, chief executive of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: “Women In Farming is always very popular and brings together women farmers to network and hear from five top speakers.”

The event costs £15 per head and runs from 10am to 2.30pm. A light buffet lunch is included and there will be a hamper raffle for the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RABI).

On October 17, New Zealand’s “Resilient Farmer” Doug Avery is bringing his UK tour “Shift Happens! An Audience with the Resilient Farmer” to Pavilions of Harrogate.

Organised by the Farming Community Network and Rural Support Northern Ireland - Doug’s tour will visit 12 locations across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including the Pavilions.

He will be sharing details of his experiences and the journey to where he is now with the aim of inspiring members of the farming community who are looking, or needing, to change their approach to their business and their personal life.

Doug said: “British farming is facing many challenges, with environmental issues, the power of market forces and, of course, Brexit.

“With this tour, I am hoping that I will be able to help those members of the farming community think their way through the situations they might find themselves in and become resilient farmers themselves.”

Nigel Pulling said: “We are delighted to be one of 12 venues nationally to host Doug Avery who is sure to be inspiring and insightful for many farmers and their families across Yorkshire.

“This is your chance to come and hear from someone who has faced the brutal realities of farming and turned around their fortunes to becoming one of the most successful beef and sheep enterprises in New Zealand.”

Charles Smith, FCN chief executive, said: “We are delighted that Doug has agreed to return to our shores and impart his wisdom on those who are concerned about what the future might hold for their farming business and how it might have an impact on their wellbeing.”

The Yorkshire Rural Support Network, which is part of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, has organised the event sponsored by Barclays, Morrisons and Savills UK.

To book your place at either event, email Kate Dale at kated@yas.co.uk or phone 07912 495604.