How can the UK’s arable sector become more resilient, profitable, and climate-smart? This engaging lunchtime panel brings together four leading women from across agriculture to discuss the practical solutions and system-level changes that are helping to shape the future of sustainable arable farming.

From soil health and carbon auditing to regenerative practices, land use strategy, and biodiversity integration, the panel will explore both the challenges and opportunities ahead — and how collaboration across the supply chain can drive progress.

Panelists:

🔹 Sarah Kendall, Senior Research Scientist at ADAS
ADAS delivers farmer-focused research across the UK. Sarah will share insight from the latest trials on cover crops, tillage reduction, crop varieties and pest management, offering practical advice for growers looking to adopt more sustainable practices.

🔹 Liz Bowles, Associate Director at Farm Carbon Toolkit
Farm Carbon Toolkit supports farmers in understanding and managing their carbon footprint. Liz will explain how arable farms are using carbon metrics to improve profitability, drive input efficiency, and demonstrate environmental responsibility.

🔹 Cath Crowther, Regional Director at the CLA (Country Land and Business Association)
The CLA represents over 28,000 landowners, farmers and rural businesses. Cath will bring a policy lens to the conversation, highlighting how land use, tenancies, and funding schemes are evolving in support of sustainability goals.

🔹 Ana Reynolds, Managing Director at Oakbank
Oakbank is a specialist consultancy helping land managers integrate nature into profitable farming systems. Ana will offer expertise on whole-farm habitat planning, field margins, agroforestry, and how to deliver biodiversity gain alongside cropping.

Chair: Clare Otridge, Director of Grounded Research
Care leads Grounded Research, a specialist agricultural research agency and operator of Five Bar Gate — the UK’s largest dedicated farmer research community, with over 1,000 members. She will guide the discussion with a sharp focus on farmer voice, practical insight, and the evidence behind sustainable decision-making.

Whether you’re a grower, landowner, advisor or policymaker, this is your chance to hear from expert women shaping the future of sustainable arable systems — and take home practical ideas to apply on your own land.