The First Yorkshire Farming Conference In Harrogate And Why Farm Safety So Important

The first Yorkshire Farming Conference in Harrogate on January 28 addresses critical farm safety and wellbeing. Farming is one of the most dangerous professions, making safety a vital topic. The event provides practical workshops and real-life tools to prevent accidents and support mental health for everyone in the agricultural community.

Working in farming is one of the most rewarding jobs out there, but it’s no secret that it comes with its fair share of challenges. It’s an industry built on hard graft, long hours, and a real connection to the land. But it's also one of the riskiest professions.

That’s why the first-ever Yorkshire Farming Conference is putting a big spotlight on something that matters to every single person in the farming community: safety and wellbeing. This big new event, taking place in Harrogate on Wednesday, January 28, is all about bringing people together to share real stories and practical tools, not just boring lectures.

A fresh take on farm safety and wellbeing

Imagine a session on farm safety that isn't just someone telling you off. Sounds good, right? That’s exactly what’s on offer at the upcoming conference. The ‘Farming safe, farming strong’ workshop will be chaired by someone who really gets it: David Exwood, the NFU Deputy President. And he isn't just a suit from an office; he’s a farmer himself, so he understands the day-to-day pressures.

The whole point of his session is to offer a fresh perspective on farm safety and personal wellbeing. Think less about rulebooks and more about real-life experiences and actionable tools that can make a genuine difference on the farm. The conference, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, aims to provide practical support for everyone working in this vital industry.

Why is talking about safety so important?

It’s easy to get complacent when you’re doing the same jobs day in and day out. But on a farm, a moment’s lapse in concentration can have massive consequences. This is a message David Exwood is keen to get across. As the NFU Deputy President, he knows the statistics and the heartbreaking stories behind them. The aim is to make safety a normal, everyday habit, not an afterthought.

David Exwood said:

“Farming is one of the most rewarding professions, but it remains one of the most dangerous. Too many families are left devastated by preventable accidents each year and that’s why it’s vital we keep talking openly about safety and wellbeing as an industry. Our campaign pledge, asking members to Take Five on farm safety, means even small changes, from taking a moment to pause, wearing a helmet and checking your machinery, can save lives.”

That ‘Take Five’ idea is simple but powerful. It’s about encouraging every farmer to build in a moment to stop and think before starting a job. It’s those small changes that, over time, create a huge cultural shift. The discussion at the conference is a chance for the whole farming community to get on board.

He added: “I’m looking forward to the discussion and to working together on building the cultural shift we need. By sharing our experiences and focusing on practical steps, we can build the confidence to make safety an everyday habit so we can all get home safe at the end of the working day.”

More than just physical risks: looking after your mental health

The ‘Farming safe, farming strong’ session isn't just about avoiding accidents with machinery. It’s led by the Yorkshire Rural Support Network, and it puts mental health on an equal footing with physical safety. Working in a rural setting can be isolating, and the pressures of the job can take their toll on anyone's wellbeing. This workshop is designed to open up the conversation around mental health.

Jill Gray, a farmer and Chair of the Yorkshire Rural Support Network, understands this better than most. She said: “This workshop will hopefully encourage our farming community to ask for support if they are struggling with mental health, and to consider all the consequences of taking risks when working on the farm. Farmers, we are not indestructible. It’s okay to ask for support.”

It’s a simple message, but a hugely important one. The conference will also host a trade show where farmers can connect with organisations that offer expert support. These include:

• Addington Fund
• Gamekeepers Welfare Trust
• RABI
• Samaritans
• The Farming Community Network

Having these groups present at the event provides a clear network of support for farmers and their families.

What else is happening at the conference?

While safety is a massive focus, the Yorkshire Farming Conference has a packed schedule covering all sorts of topics relevant to the agricultural industry. There will be a series of talks looking at some of the biggest issues facing farmers today. This includes everything from changes in government policy to the role a farmer plays in the wider food system. There will also be discussions on farming smarter, using technology and making clever crop choices to improve how things are done on the farm.

The event in Harrogate promises to be a fantastic opportunity for networking. It's a chance for people from across the Yorkshire farming world to catch up, share ideas, and talk to dozens of agricultural businesses. This single event brings together several of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's farming networks, including the Future Farmers of Yorkshire and the Women In Farming Network, creating a unique space for collaboration and support.

Who's speaking and what's the deal with tickets?

The line-up of speakers is seriously impressive. The keynote talk will be given by James Rebanks, a Cumbrian farmer and best-selling author whose books have given millions of people a real insight into rural life. He’ll be joined by a host of other industry experts and well-known farmers.

Speaker	Who They Are
Tamara Hall	Nuffield Scholar and MD of Molescroft Farm
Anna Jones	Rural affairs journalist and founder of Just Farmers
Guy Poskitt	Award-winning arable farmer known for carrots, parsnips, and potatoes

The conference is the first major event brought together by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society's collection of networks, all of which are guided by farmers for farmers. This landmark event is for everyone working in agriculture.

The Yorkshire Farming Conference takes place on January 28 at the Great Yorkshire Events Centre from 9am to 5pm. Tickets need to be bought online beforehand and are priced at £25 + VAT, with a discount available for group bookings of 10 or more. It’s shaping up to be an unmissable day for the entire farming community in Yorkshire and beyond.