A mutual message emerged across the two days of panel discussions at LAMMA agricultural show: the future of farming will be shaped not only by technology or policy, but by people; their skills, confidence and willingness to make decisions during these uncertain times.
Investment in people
听"Resilience" was the buzzword under scrutiny. Mr. Bamber, communications lead at Lantra, argued that understanding the skills needed in an ever-changing environment was essential. Ms. Manning, academic and management consultant, linked resilience to people, health, confidence, profit and sustainability, while Miss Smith, third year university student, emphasised learning, opportunity and the scale of work. Labour shortages and the growing complexity of farming are at an all-time high. Ms. Manning went on to argue that mental resilience grows when people come together, especially when Government decisions feel so distant. Avoiding isolation, she pressed, is crucial. The sector is facing generational challenges in attracting and training, and resilience is not simply a personality trait but a strategic necessity driven by skill and community.
Confidence and skills development were repeatedly linked. Mr. Bamber argued that confidence must be pushed to break away from traditional business models. Ms. Manning continued with the idea that belief in the future drives confidence, even as rapid change challenged decision-making, quite like Mr. York. Miss Smith argued that seeking out skills can feel daunting, but disrupting tradition is often "the right thing to be doing".
Finance discussions reinforced the message that people matter just as much as equipment. Without clear pathways for young people, the industry is at risk of losing the next generation. Ms. Manning argued that farmers have to be honest about what contributes to the business, while Mr. Bamber argued "farming does not happen without people", and investment in skills is as important as investment in kit. Resilience, it is being argued, is built from the inside out 鈥� through training, shared learning and supportive networks. Miss Smith added that structured programmes can help to build confidence by exposing people to different parts of the industry.
Technology and AI
The topic of artificial intelligence then prompted debate as it moves rapidly into mainstream agriculture. Ms. Manning argued that it could be challenging for older generations, but efficiency gains remained clear. The question, she exposed, was how far human responsibility, particularly for animal welfare, could be delegated. Automated milking systems, yield protection tools, health monitoring sensors and autonomous machinery are all prevalent developments. AI is not distant, but a practical tool. Mr. Bamber pointed to healthcare as an example of technology improving outcomes without removing human judgment, while Miss Smith argued that technology should solve real problems, not be applied for its own sake. If applied without a clear point and understanding, ethics and efficiency are clearly called into question. AI needs to support, rather than replace, human expertise.
Generational change
Generational change was another shared thread as one of the defining pressures of UK agriculture. Ms. Manning argued that new ideas are driving business change, but uncertainty about Government vision makes investment decisions harder. The sector is relying on fresh ideas and different expectations on work-life balance. Miss Smith added that the wider public lacks an understanding of agricultural careers, despite the breadth of opportunity. Ms. Manning responded with the argument that the sector needs to talk more about these opportunities, while Mr. Bamber added "you cannot be what you cannot see", urging greater representation in schools. There is a clear visibility gap as possible new entrants fail to see themselves reflected in the industry; this is what our panellists are arguing needs to change.
Skills and training discussions returned to time management. Miss Smith argued that her university studies helped her develop personal discipline, which is vital in a labour-intensive industry. Ms. Manning then noted that younger generations want family and social time alongside business goals, so prioritising time is essential. Future farming resilience relies on the confidence and drive of new generations. Mr. Bamber encouraged small, continuous improvements and social engagement.听 Generational change isn't just about who takes over the farm, but who shapes the sector's culture, adopts new technology and communicates with the public.
Their closing statements mirrored that of Thursday's: Ms. Manning said "have a plan, Miss Smith encouraged assessing what needs investment, people or tech, and Mr. Bamber told the audience to focus on people and talk to others as funding mechanisms evolve.
Post-panel audience questions
After Wednesday's panel, audience questions reinforced the shift from yield to profit. Ms. Manning said profit mattered the most, particularly as area payments fall. On data, she argued farmers were becoming more numerate and businesses more self-reliant. Mr. Bamber then argued that data is only useful if effectively applied, while Miss Smith encouraged farmers to use training modules to improve their confidence with tools like Excel.
Across both panels, the message became obvious: the future of farming will be shaped by people who plan, learn, collaborate and adapt. Technology, policy and markets will continue to shift, but investment in skills, confidence and open conversation remains the foundation of a resilient and profitable industry.
You can find information about the second discussion here.听
