Westpoint Arena hosts Rootstock 2025

Rootstock, the South West’s leading agricultural conference, is set to return for its third year on February 6, 2025 at Westpoint Arena, Exeter. Known for its focus on future resilience and sustainable farming practices, the event has become a key gathering for farmers, researchers, and industry experts across the region.

This year’s one-day conference will feature an impressive line-up of speakers, including Minette Batters, the former Chief Executive of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Dr Jennifer Rowntree, an Associate Professor in Ecological Genetics at the University of Plymouth, Chris Berry, a Devon farmer managing over 450 acres, and Nikki Yoxall, a first-generation farmer from northeast Scotland and Technical Director at Pasture for Life.

Supported by leading academic institutions, including the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth, and Rothamsted Research, Rootstock provides a platform for the farming community to explore, discuss, and challenge emerging trends and technologies.

The event is designed to deliver practical, actionable solutions that balance profitability with natural processes, helping farmers adapt to challenges such as climate change, fluctuating markets, and evolving subsidies and policies.

Sir Harry Studholme, a representative of the Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) and one of the event organisers, highlighted the importance of the conference: “The challenges facing UK agriculture are profound—climate change, fluctuating markets, and evolving subsidies make it harder than ever to plan for the future. Rootstock is designed to provide farmers with innovative solutions and expert advice they can trust. We’re thrilled to return to Westpoint for a third year, offering a space for collaboration, learning, and growth.”

Last year’s conference attracted around 320 attendees, with delegates describing it as “inspiring,” “interactive,” and a fantastic opportunity for networking. This year’s event is expected to build on that success, offering a mix of expert talks, discussions, and opportunities for farmers to connect with industry leaders and peers.

Tickets for Rootstock 2025 are now available, with discounted rates of £30 for Devon County Agricultural Association members and farmers who book before 15th January 2025.

Standard tickets are priced at £40, and all include a buffet lunch. Early booking is advised, as the event is expected to sell out once again.

Rootstock is organised by the Devon County Agricultural Association, a registered charity founded in 1872 that has been at the forefront of agricultural development and rural economic support in the South West.

For the full event schedule, details of the speaker line-up, and to book tickets, click here.