Agri-TechE’s REAP 2025 Conference – which takes place on Tuesday (November 4) at the KingsGate Centre in Peterborough – will be addressing key questions for the industry and offering some solutions.
Laura Rous, managing partner at Dennington Hall Farms near Framlingham and Andrew Blenkiron, managing director of Elveden Farms near Thetford join a stellar line-up which includes former National Farmers’ Union president Minette Batters.
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Laura’s father Robert Rous – president of the Suffolk Show – handed over the reins of the business to his daughter, who is already making an impact with her own desire to embrace regenerative agriculture.
She is focused on innovation-led diversification at the family’s heavy land 1,500ha (3,700 acre) arable and livestock farm in Suffolk focused on regenerative agriculture and innovation-led diversification.
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She previously worked in product development for tech start-ups and as an analyst in the property sector and is bringing her experience to bear on the business as she seeks to reimagine the future of farming at Dennington.
Andrew presides over a 22,500 acre (9,100ha) operation in the sandy soils of the Brecks. The business includes an in-hand farming operation, two pubs, a farm shop/café, forestry and Christmas tree business, as well as residential and commercial property and various other commercial and charitable activities.
His grandparents ran a small, tenanted hill suckler and sheep farm in Nidderdale, Yorkshire and he has worked for rural businesses in most soil types in England from Dorset to Northumberland.
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A past chairman of the Suffolk branch of the National Farmers’ Union, he sits on a range of bodies and is a Professional Fellow of the institute of Agricultural Management and a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies.
The day-long conference will focus on the financial, labour, resources, and land pressures farmers face, and the need to seek growth through collaboration across the industry.
Keynote speaker Minette Batters – now a member of the House of Lords – will be reflecting on the Farm Profitability Review, completed just days before REAP following extensive consultation across the industry.
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“I’ll have several conclusions and reflections to report. It’s a multi-faceted picture, but agri-tech has a vital role to play in building resilient, sustainable and profitable farms of the future, ” she said.
Laura will be part of a panel will be chaired by AHDB’s Craig Patrick.
Andrew will look at how scientific theory is applicable in real-world situations in a “fireside chat” with delegates.
In another segment, innovators at a Start-Up Showcase will present their ideas for the future of farming.