Comment: Why it is good to talk at the Great Yorkshire Show

We are running seminars at the show once again this year as they are so popular with our visitors. Guest speakers will deliver the talks in the seminar room inside Hall 1 of the Yorkshire Event Centre covering a range of topics.

All the talks are free and this year’s programme has something for everyone involved in the rural community. Here are some highlights from the full programme that runs over the three days of the show.

On opening day - Tuesday, July 11 - Anderson’s Northern will hold the ‘Great Brexit Debate’ giving the chance to discuss both the opportunities and the risks for farm businesses. The message is: plan ahead and be prepared.

Also on day one, Barclay’s Bank will discuss why falling victim to a cyber fraud attack can result in major financial losses for a business. They will also talk through prevention measures.

Day two - on Wednesday, July 12 - will see representatives from Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors talk about why it is important to tackle succession planning for a farm business sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, there will be the chance to find out more about farm diversification options from chartered surveyors George F White and exactly what funding schemes are available.

During lunchtime on the Wednesday, the Yorkshire Rural Support Network (YRSN) will call on all farmers at the show to come along for a free health check and chat with farmer-friendly nurses and Macmillan cancer support workers.

Join the YRSN’s Women In Farming Network for their ‘Keep calm and mind your own business’ seminar which will discuss ways to remain sane in the early days’ talk on day three, on Thursday, July 13.

There will also be speakers from Agri-food Yorkshire, N8 AgriFood, an update on the threat from Asian hornets and much more.

The seminar room will have something for everyone as it showcases agriculture and innovation in the North of England through talks and videos. These will be screened between events and the audience can watch a variety of local farmers and producers.

Also during the Great Yorkshire Show, there will be a breakfast meeting based on the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) stand where farmers can discuss different challenges they are facing. The Future Farmers of Yorkshire group, which is comprised of farmers, veterinarians, consultants, machinery dealers and land agents, will be hosting the informal networking breakfast on Wednesday, July 12, beginning at 7.45am. The headline speaker will be Minette Batters, the NFU’s deputy president. The talks are expected to begin at 8.15am and finish by 9am. The event is free, to register a place in advance, email [email protected] before Friday, July 7.

The 159th Great Yorkshire Show will take place at the Yorkshire Agricultural Society’s Harrogate showground from Tuesday, July 11 to Thursday, July 13. For all the latest information about the event, see the visitors section of our website, www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk