The next generation of agricultural professionals will be at the at the very heart of Cereals, the UK’s leading arable showcase, when it arrives at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in June.
The Young Farmers’ Programme, which is sponsored by Michelmores, will be hosted in the heart of the Agronomy Zone, a central feature of the Cereals event on June 10 and 11, and will have a strategic focus on resilience, innovation, and community.
The programme is designed to equip young entrants with the technical knowledge and professional networks required to navigate a rapidly evolving industry.
As the agricultural sector faces a pivotal era of environmental and policy transition, Cereals 2026 is expanding its commitment to those beginning their careers. The 2026 initiative features a high-calibre seminar series, a social zone called Kaleb’s Korner sponsored by Nick Young Tractor Parts, networking breakfasts, luncheons and receptions, all aimed at fostering long-term success for young farmers and agronomists.
The Young Farmers’ Programme sponsored by Michelmores will serve as a hub for high-level knowledge exchange. The seminar programme is specifically curated to address the future of farming, moving beyond the field to cover critical topics such as data-driven decision-making, exploring markets, and the complexities of farm succession. These sessions aim to bridge the gap between traditional practice and the tech-forward future of the arable sector. Attendees will also be able to join a Q&A with Kaleb Cooper on day one.
A new feature, Kaleb’s Korner sponsored by Nick Young Tractor Parts, will be a dedicated space to provide a unique, informal environment for young people to engage in honest discussions about the industry’s challenges and rewards.
Recognising that professional relationships are the bedrock of a successful career, the Young Farmers’ networking events will also provide a platform for attendees to connect. This event will give young farmers direct access to industry leaders, professionals and a community of like-minded peers, ensuring young entrants are well-connected from the outset.
Kaleb Cooper says Cereals is key for inspiring younger and first-generation entrants into farming and the Young Farmers Programme will help provide the building blocks for a prosperous career in agriculture.
He says: “We need a farmer three times a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can go in to be the actual farmer, or there’s other careers in farming, whether that be the agronomist, whether that be a GPS specialist, whether that be a journalist.
“So, there is definitely a future in farming and it’s so important to open up people’s eyes and opportunities in our industry.
“The Young Farmers’ Programme will be a great chance to explore careers in farming and also give people the contacts, ideas and tools they need to succeed.”
Sarah Palmer of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) adds: “Young farmers are benefitting once again from the long-standing relationship between NFYFC and the Cereals’ Event organisers.
“Last year’s one-day dedicated Young Farmer area’s success has resulted in two days of seminars and networking this year, thanks to the support of sponsor Michelmores solicitors.
“This is a carefully planned and collaborative programme designed to interest and enable all young people who are currently working in, or studying to enter, the industry. A range of topics including succession planning, innovation, career progression and resilience provide an ideal opportunity for YFC members to learn and network with friends and industry representatives. Effective collaboration delivers much-needed support for our next generation of farmers and land managers.”
Law firm Michelmores is sponsoring the Young Farmers’ Programme and Chris Massey, Partner, Private Property & Landed Estates, Michelmores, says: “Supporting the Young Farmers Programme is an important way for Michelmores to invest in the future of British agriculture.
“Young farmers are the next generation of landowners, innovators and rural business leaders; they are already responding to complex challenges around land use, succession, sustainability and diversification and we are here to help navigate these changes and build resilient, successful farming businesses for the long term.
“Michelmores is the UK's leading rural business lawyers, with a top ranked team advising on high-value residential and rural property. We are also one of very few firms actively engaged in the Natural Capital space, with over 40 team members working with market-leading clients - completing deals not just concepts. We support landowners, farmers, estates, agri-businesses, entrepreneurs and investors with practical, commercial focused advice - helping them to respond confidently to opportunity and change.”
The company is also hosting the Women in Rural Practice afternoon tea from 2pm to 3pm on Wednesday, June 10. Charlotte Razay, Senior Associate, Agriculture, adds: “We are looking forward to hosting this event which brings together women working across the rural economy to share insights and experiences, build networks and support one another in a sector that is constantly evolving.” Farmers can now register for tickets at www.thecerealsevent.co.uk and applicable trade can enquire online about exhibiting at the event.
This is a business-to-business event and so registrations will go through an approval process. Members of organisations including BASE-UK, Farmers Weekly, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC), Young Farmers and the National Farmers Union (NFU) will be automatically approved and receive a discount with their membership number.
