The next guest on Armstrong Watson’s audience with… series is a leading name in agriculture.
Annabel Hamilton, a strong advocate for women in agriculture and encouraging the younger generation into the industry, will share her story with host Andrew Robinson, head of agriculture, during a live webinar from 7pm on May 19.
Arable and cattle farmer Annabel, 30, farms 2,500 acres along the Berwickshire coast with her father Will. They produce malting barley for Simpsons Malt which is shipped all over the world.
Annabel is highly experienced in farm management having gained valuable insight whilst overseeing the arable operations of large farm businesses in Northumberland and Lincolnshire before returning to the family farm in recent years.
She will talk about her experiences studying and working away and how, since she has returned, the family approach the subject of succession.
She will also reveal the practices her family employ on their farm to gain valuable time back and ensure the business is thriving, more about their latest diversification project – a pick you own pumpkin patch – and what it takes to fatten 300 cattle a year for high-quality butchers.
Andrew said: “To date, we’ve had a great insight into how farmers diversify in different ways. NFU ambassador Will Case last month was very candid and honest.
“He and his family are a great example of how to drive a business forward and keep it going for future generations, and our April guest, Jim Beary, was very open and a great inspiration for those wanting to get into farming or expand.
“I’m really looking forward to discussing how Annabel’s family have diversified, the farming practices they employ and their succession plans.”
Annabel added: “For me, succession is a vitally important topic in agriculture. As my father and I begin the succession process, it is allowing the farming business to move forward and begin a knowledge exchange between us both which for me is exciting, enjoyable, and essential.”
An Audience With… aims to help bolster future success in agriculture.
Running throughout 2021, it will feature industry experts and local farmers, who will discuss important issues in the world of farming and the ways they’ve been able to transform their businesses.
To date, the series has also featured Sally Urwin, author of Diary of a Pint-sized Farmer, and Tracey and Aylett Roan, of Roan’s Dairy in Dumfries and Galloway.
To register armstrongwatson.info/Audience-AnnabelHamilton or to view previous recordings of these online events visit: www.awwebinars.co.uk.
