Fifteen people working across farming and the wider rural economy have been selected for the Oxford Farming Conference 2027 (OFC27) Inspire Programme, which supports emerging leaders and offers them the opportunity to attend the conference for the first time.

The cohort includes a seventh-generation livestock farmer from Co Down, a pig vet originally from Brazil and farm managers overseeing businesses ranging from livestock production and farm retail to organic farming and diversification. Others selected include agronomists, farm business advisers and an agricultural technology specialist, alongside those working at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Designed for people aged 30 to 45 working in food, farming and the wider rural economy, Inspire helps participants develop their leadership skills and confidence while building connections beyond their day-to-day work. More than 145 alumni have taken part, with many going on to launch new ventures, take on senior roles including board positions, and collaborate across disciplines.

OFC director Kelly Hewson-Fisher, a graduate of the programme and Head of Rural Research at Savills, is leading Inspire 2027.

placeholder image — The OFC26 Inspire cohort

She said: “The calibre of applicants this year reflects the appetite across the industry for opportunities like Inspire, and I’d like to congratulate the 15 participants selected through a highly competitive process. Many of those joining us are already managing farm businesses, leading teams or representing farmers, and Inspire gives them time to consider how they want to develop in those roles. Learning alongside people from other parts of the industry can help them look at their own work differently and make connections they might otherwise never have made.

“As an Inspire alumna, I know the value of being able to discuss ideas and challenges with people outside your usual circle. I’m looking forward to welcoming this group and seeing what they learn from one another, both during the programme and in the years that follow.”

Delivered in partnership with BASF Agricultural Solutions and REAL Success Ltd, the programme includes two pre-conference inspiring days in London and full access to the conference: OFC27 Harmony (6-8 January) which includes a full conference ticket with attendance at the Chair’s Welcome Reception, Christ Church Dinner and Oxford Union Debate and accommodation for two nights. Participants will join also join an alumni network that continues to connect and collaborate beyond the conference.

The OFC27 Inspire cohort is:

Lynsay Beattie, communications officer at the Ulster Farmers’ Union, who grew up on a fifth-generation dairy farm in Co Tyrone. She also manages the Open Farm Weekend schools’ programme, connecting pupils with agriculture and food production.
Amy Catling, head of engagement for AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds, leading a team that builds relationships with levy payers and industry stakeholders and helps industry feedback shape AHDB’s priorities.
Thomas Chapman, livestock and land manager at Hollow Trees Farm in Suffolk, a 200-acre diversified business. He manages livestock supplying its on-site butchery, within a business that also includes a farm shop, café and visitor trail.
Ross Dawson, farm engagement manager at agricultural technology company YAGRO, based in Suffolk, with a background in agriculture, sales, procurement and customer engagement.
Sophie Dwerryhouse, regional director for the CLA in the Midlands, representing the interests of farmers, landowners and rural businesses and working with members and policymakers to influence rural policy.
Ellie Edwards, an NFU assistant county adviser in the Midlands, who grew up on an arable farm in South Derbyshire. She previously worked as a commercial agronomist across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire and Leicestershire.
Megan Fitzpatrick, an independent horticultural agronomist and farm business consultant supporting mixed farms and horticultural enterprises across the South East. She advises on crop protection, environmental schemes and innovation projects.
Phil Gordon-Jones, farm and property manager at Fir Farm, a 1,100-acre mixed organic estate farmed regeneratively. He oversees its farming and diversified businesses, including commercial units, an events barn and an on-site abattoir.
Alan Hughes, a mixed livestock tenant farmer and founder of Farming Solutions Ltd, which designs, supplies and installs livestock handling and biosecurity systems for farmers across the UK.
Frederick Krefting, who runs Showsley, an arable farm in the Midlands. He moved into farming full-time after a career in sales, account management and entrepreneurship, and has since explored estate diversification opportunities spanning natural capital, renewable energy, tourism and property.
Jack McGrath, farm manager at J W Pitts, overseeing 2,000 acres in Northamptonshire. He specialises in high-grade seed production and has introduced direct drilling, cover crops and livestock into the rotation to improve soil health and operational efficiency.
Ross Murray, a seventh-generation suckler cattle and sheep farmer from Co Down. He also works as constituency office manager for Carla Lockhart MP and is a National Sheep Association next generation ambassador.
Luiza Pazini, a pig vet and technical services senior specialist at PIC. She grew up in a pig-farming environment in Brazil and has worked in the UK pig industry since moving here in 2020.
Abi Saunders, an agri business adviser at Masons Rural, who combines advisory work with practical farming in Lincolnshire. She founded the Wolds Discussion Group to bring local farmers together to share knowledge and experience.
Emily Winter, who runs her family’s beef cattle, free-range poultry and arable business independently in South Norfolk. She also works as senior project officer for the River Waveney Trust, where she previously led the local farming cluster.