A new series of online events hopes to help bolster future success in agriculture.
During 2021, Armstrong Watsons agriculture and farming team will be joined by some of the industry’s key players and guests from the farming community who will share their experiences of success, hurdles they have overcome and ways they have been able to diversify their businesses.
The webinars, known as ‘An Audience With…’, will be hosted by Armstrong Watson’s head of agriculture Andrew Robinson.
It kicks off on Thursday, featuring Sally Urwin, author of Diary of a Pint-Sized Farmer.
Andrew said: “We have an exciting line-up planned this year featuring a mixture of some of our industry’s specialists as well as those who are trying new ideas.
“Our guests will consider important issues in the farming world and how we can continue to ensure our future success and progression.
“It will be really interesting to hear their thoughts, plans and ideas for the future.”
Accounting director Jonathan York and Accounting Manager Emma Hayes, from Armstrong Watson’s agriculture and farming team, will also sit on the debut panel.
Along with Andrew and Sally, they will be answering any questions from the audience at the end of the discussion.
Sally swapped a city career for farming in 2004 when she and her husband Steve moved to a 200-acre farm in Northumberland.
They now have two children and 200 sheep.
Over the years they have successfully diversified High House Farm, converting their Grade II listed farm buildings into an independently-run microbrewery, wedding venue and tearoom, and by renting out their paddock to a glamping company.
Sally will discuss the often-hilarious realities of farming family life with everything from stock sales to lambing sheds as well as divulging more about the inspiration for her book.
She says: “I’m really looking forward to the evening, and I know we’re going to cover lots of subjects, such as moving from a corporate background into farming, how we manage on a small family farm, the COVID outbreak, mental health, being the shortest farmer in the UK and of course the popularity of Scabby the sheep and the Fat Pony.
“I’ve heard there’s going to be a competition which I always find exciting. Make sure you get a gin and tonic, and some custard creams and I’ll see you there.”
The webinars, which are free to join and available to everyone, are among a string of online discussions hosted by Armstrong Watson. To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/Sally-Urwin.
