Rootstock 2025 hailed a major success at Westpoint

Rootstock 2025 wrapped up last week at Westpoint with resounding success, drawing 332 attendees and featuring 15 distinguished speakers from across the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The event, which unites leading agricultural researchers with hands-on farming practitioners, focused on strategies to boost farm profitability in an increasingly tough financial and environmental climate.

Conference organiser Mel Bradley expressed delight at the strong turnout and the enthusiastic feedback, with some attendees calling it “the best farming conference they had ever attended.”

Among the standout speakers was John Gilliland, who provided insights into Northern Ireland’s Arc Zero project and the AHDB pilot scheme, which involves 170 UK farms in soil carbon baselining. East Devon farmer Sam Walker captivated the audience with his inspiring journey into organic farming and profitability.

In a notable first for the conference, former NFU President and cross-bench peer Minette Batters addressed Rootstock attendees, offering a political perspective on farming’s future. She discussed the government transition, family farm taxation, and Labour’s agricultural ambitions.

Speaking about the event, she said, “My role was to provide the political context, addressing challenges like the changeover in government, the family farm tax, but also what Labour’s ambition is for farming. I love coming to Rootstock, it’s very farmer-focused with a lot of practical discussion as well as an opportunity to catch up, with farmers coming from all over the South West. Farmers are part of the solution, but it does need others to step up on that journey.”

The conference closed with a compelling address from Dr Robin Jackson, who underscored the growing momentum behind regenerative agriculture. “There is a palpable air of genuine optimism, a shared understanding that regenerative agriculture, or smart farming, isn’t just a trend - it’s an absolute necessity. It’s not just about producing food; it’s about regenerating ecosystems, revitalising communities, and nourishing future generations.”

Plans for Rootstock 2026 are already underway, with tickets set to go on sale in the autumn via their website.