EBLEX and the NFU are hosting two conferences focussed on helping upland farmers develop profitable farming businesses.

The free events in February bring together key speakers from the industry to help farmers look at the future of upland farming.

The first of the two events take places on February 3 in Devon and the second in North Yorkshire on February 5.

Speakers from HSBC, universities and law firms specialising in the rural sector will be discussing the many aspects of upland farming including grassland and livestock production, farm business planning, succession and cutting edge research and science.

Farmers from the two regions will also be on hand to talk about the challenges and opportunities on their farms.

Clive Brown, EBLEX Head of Regional Development said: “EBLEX is happy to work with the NFU to deliver these two conferences focusing on upland farming.

“We recognise the increasing challenges of farming in the uplands and our aim is to help farmers optimise the performance of their business. The main technical focus of the events is managing grassland performance and utilisation whilst maximising environmental benefits in the uplands.”

Robin Milton, chairman of the NFU Uplands Group, said: “I don’t think there is one right answer. Individual farmers have to make individual decisions. You really have to only take on what fits your farming business. Be critical of yourself but do what you’re comfortable with. Look objectively and make informed choices based on agri-environment schemes and such like.

“There has been a lot of uncertainty facing hill farmers over the past 18 months with a number of contributing factors such as the weather, rising costs and disease leading to hill farmers getting less for their produce while facing increasing production costs. It is absolutely vital these farmers are treated fairly and rewarded for their hard work if they are to keep on delivering for future generations.”