OFC proved a positive, can-do attitude can define our industry

From the moment I walked into Oxford’s Examination Schools, I was struck by the sense of history and occasion. It’s one of those buildings that makes you pause and think, how did I end up here? That brief wave of imposter syndrome didn’t last long, though. As the conference unfolded, it became clear that the issues being debated in those grand halls were the very same challenges farmers were grappling with every day back home and across the country. 

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and informal conversations, themes of resilience, adaptation and change surfaced again and again. What stood out most to me was how often discussions circled back to farming’s greatest asset: people. Skills, leadership, confidence, trust and capability underpinned almost every policy announcement and industry debate. 

Adapting to change is an essential skill

With a background in HR, training and development, alongside involvement in dairy farming, I naturally viewed the conference through a people-focused lens. Real resilience isn’t built solely on systems, infrastructure or technology. It comes from people having the skills and confidence to adapt when change arrives – because in agriculture, change always does. That focus on people was reflected in my own experience of the conference.

Through the Inspire cohort, I came away from OFC with 14 new friendships, two outstanding mentors and connections with dozens more across the industry. Those relationships alone demonstrate the power of the conference and the strength of our agricultural community. The conversations, encouragement and shared perspectives were a powerful reminder that while farming can sometimes feel isolating, it is ultimately built on connection, collaboration and support. 

One of the highlights of the week was attending my first ever debate at the Oxford Union. The motion asked whether farming would become a one-day-a-week job within the next 90 years. For me, particularly in livestock farming, it will never be a one-day-a-week role. It is hands-on, unpredictable and rooted in daily responsibility. We don’t just manage systems; we care for animals. Their welfare depends on consistent human attention – feeding, observing and responding. That element of care will always be central to farming. 

Technology really can be powerful - when supported well

While the idea of technology replacing that human connection doesn’t sit comfortably with me, the debate reinforced something important. When farmers are properly supported with the skills to use technology and data effectively, it can be a powerful ally.  

Used well, technology doesn’t take away from farming. It supports better decision-making, reduces unnecessary pressure and helps create a more sustainable work–life balance without losing what matters most. What also came through strongly at OFC was the importance of farmer-led innovation – solutions designed with farmers, for farmers, that address real challenges and fit into day-to-day farm realities. 

That balance is something many farmers struggle to achieve, particularly as the pace of change accelerates. This is where continuing professional development (CPD) becomes essential. CPD isn’t about box-ticking or classroom learning for the sake of it. It’s about practical, relevant learning that fits around farm life and builds confidence. Technology and data only reach their potential when people are trained and supported to make them work for their business and their way of life. 

 From an HR perspective, many of the discussions echoed what I often see on farms: pressure, fatigue, pride, frustration and deep commitment all existing side by side. Farming is complex and no single policy or innovation can solve everything. That reality feels particularly close to home in Northern Ireland, where farmers face unique pressures – from cross-border trade and environmental regulation to market volatility and the challenges of small, family-run businesses carrying a heavy load. 

The industry needs CPD to empower its evolution

The conference reinforced something I firmly believe. Farmers and all those involved in the agriculture industry are committed, adaptable and proud of what they do. What’s needed is accessible, meaningful CPD that genuinely helps people navigate change, build confidence and develop long-term resilience –  the kind of support delivered through initiatives from TIAH. 

Jack Bobo’s reflections on the public narrative around agriculture also stayed with me. Too often, farming is framed in doom-and-gloom terms. Yet the reality is people today are healthier and wealthier than at any other point in history. That perspective matters. We need to tell a story of progress, innovation and opportunity, and give farmers the confidence to engage in those conversations beyond the farmgate. 

Route to real resilience is built on support and CPD

Whether through debate, keynote speeches, or quiet conversations over coffee, the Oxford Farming Conference was a timely reminder that the future of agriculture is about far more than policy or productivity. It is about people – the ones who show up every day, care deeply and continue to adapt in the face of constant change. By investing in people through meaningful, practical CPD and supporting them through change, we can build real resilience and a farming sector that is confident, capable and sustainable for generations to come. 

The owner of GRÓ Agri, Bronagh Brennan supports agricultural businesses with training and development, HR, and operational management. With a strong background in dairy and beef farming, she holds a BA Hons in Human Resource Management and a PGCPD in Employment Law and Legislation and an MSc in Agri-Food and Rural Development. Bronagh is a Commended Member of the Institute of Agricultural Management, and serves on several UFU committees, she has a keen interest in agricultural politics.