FARM BUSINESS RESILIENCE EVENT 2026

Colworth Park Collaboration Centre, Colworth Road, Sharnbrook MK44 1ET

Welcome to the FARM BUSINESS RESILIENCE EVENT 2026!

Hosted by the the Upper and Bedford Ouse Catchment Partnership (agri group), join local growers, advisers and experts for an inspiring afternoon packed with practical insights to help farms thrive amid climate pressures, shifting markets, and rising costs. There will be a mix of technial and pratical presentations as well as opportunity for debate and discussion.

Doors will open at 3.00pm where you can view trade stands and refreshments. Presentations and discussions will begin at 4.00pm and a meal will be served at 7.30pm

This year’s sessions explore:

• Sustainable farming models balancing profitability and environmental outcomes;
• AI and autonomy – can technology drive future resilience?;
• Integrated soil analysis for healthier crops and smarter decisions;
• Spring strategies to manage the crop in front of you; Stress management & targeted nutrition for unpredictable seasons.

Supported by local businesses and trade stands including: AHDB, Environment Agency, Indigro, Oakbank, Forestry Commission, Catchment Sensitive Farming, Anglian Water, and more. BASIS and NRoSO points available

PRESENTATIONS WILL BE :

Hannah Shirt

Using Integrated Analysis for Optimal Results

Managing and Monitoring for Ideal Soil Health
Hidden nutrient imbalances and overlooked soil health can limit crop performance. This session explores practical tools to unlock resilience and yield.

Key points:

• Balanced nutrition as the driver of crop health and productivity
• Spotting deficiencies that limit performance
• Smart use of soil, tissue, manure & grain analysis
• Full nutrient spectrum & interactions explained
• In‑season & post‑harvest diagnostics for better decisions

Joe Hicken & Andrew Ramply

Smart Farming: Combining Technology and Livestock to Enhance Soil Health & Profitability

Navigating climate and market pressures to build sustainable farming models

Key points:

• Livestock in arable rotations: cover crops + store lambs for resilience
• Boosting soil health while reducing artificial fertiliser reliance
• Improved gross margins from healthier, sustainable cropping systems
• Guidance technology for precision drilling between stubble rows
• Efficient seed & fertiliser use through smarter tech integration

William Mumford

An Insight into Innovations for the Modern Farm

Will AI and Autonomy Help Future Farm Resilience?

Louise Penn

Managing the Crop in Front of You: Spring Decisions for Resilient Results : Navigating variable costs, stress management & targeted nutrition in ever‑contrasting seasons

Key points:

• Stay ahead of disease pressure & stress risks that elevate variable costs
• Effective use of biostimulants to manage spring crop stress
• Match crop demand to nutrition based on soil & weather conditions
• Practical decision points to optimise investment and strengthen resilience

Speaker Biographies

Hannah Shirt — Business Development Manager, Lancrop Laboratories

Raised on a Derbyshire dairy farm, Hannah combines practical farming roots with expertise in soil and crop health. She is an expert in the chemical, physical and biological pillars of soil, linking nutrition and forage quality to animal health. FACTS qualified with BASIS Soil & Water and Quality of Soil certifications.

William Mumford

A fifth‑generation Cambridgeshire farmer and founder of ASC, William blends decades of experience in GPS and agri‑technology with a deep passion for UK agriculture, offering insight into the opportunities and challenges of modern farming.

Louise Penn

Raised on a mixed farm in Northamptonshire, Louise is an agronomist and consultant specialising in regenerative agriculture. She brings hands‑on experience in soil health, crop nutrition, and sustainable input strategies.

Andrew Ramply

A seventh‑generation Huntingdonshire farmer, Andrew has run the family business for 30 years, expanding from 400 to 5,000 acres through contract farming, with a recent focus on diversification and environmental management.

Joe Hicken

Following a Harper Adams placement, Joe returned to GT Ramply’s as a full‑time team member. BASIS and FACTS qualified, he leads on machinery, cultivation, and rotation strategy while managing the farm team.