Farmers and landowners looking to develop new income streams and build more resilient rural businesses will have plenty to discover at Farm Business Innovation 2026, with a programme of expert-led sessions, inspiring case studies and practical advice designed to help turn diversification ideas into viable enterprises.

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 4-5 November, the show will bring together industry specialists, experienced diversifiers and rural businesses to explore the opportunities and challenges of developing new ventures alongside traditional farming.

Content will be available across several areas of the show, including the Farm Business Innovation Stage, Farm Shop Talks, interactive Ask the Expert sessions, the CLA Theatre covering planning, policy, energy efficiency and the Environment Bank Biodiversity Net Gain Hub. This gives visitors multiple opportunities to learn from those with first-hand experience and get answers to questions relevant to their own businesses.

Learning from those who have diversified

A key highlight will be the keynote session, The Original Diversifiers: The Cricket St Thomas Story, featuring John Taylor, owner of Cricket St Thomas Estate in Somerset. Drawing on more than six decades of experience managing the 1,000-acre estate, John will share how his family has evolved its business through a series of bold and sometimes unconventional diversification projects.

From traditional dairy farming to a wildlife park, driven shoot and the infamous Mr Blobby theme park, the story offers an honest look at the decisions, successes and setbacks involved in building a diverse rural enterprise. His session will explore the importance of adapting when circumstances change, backing new ideas and learning from experience, with lessons for farmers at every stage of their diversification journey.

Another major highlight will be an exclusive Farmers Guardian fireside chat with Clarkson's Farm star Lisa Hogan and her son Wolfe Bentinck, taking place at 10.30am on Thursday, 5 November. Hosted by Farmers Guardian editorial director Olivia Midgley, the session will explore their experiences of diversification, including the success of Diddly Squat Farm Shop, and introduce their new platform, Only Farmers.

Designed to help farmers with diversified businesses raise their profile and connect with consumers, Only Farmers aims to showcase the breadth of enterprises developing across the agricultural sector. Lisa and Wolfe will share practical lessons on identifying opportunities, reaching new customers and managing the challenges of building a business alongside farming.

Practical advice for making diversification work

For those at the early stages of planning a new enterprise, The Diversification Journey: Getting It Right from the Start will bring together planning, legal and business expertise to help visitors understand the key considerations before committing time and money. The panel features Ellie Savage, Landed Estate Consultant at Appetite Me; Hannah Moule, founder of The Rural Planning Co; Rob Tate, CEO of Appetite Me; and Laura Mackain-Bremner, Partner, Private Client Litigation at Clarke Willmott. Together, they will examine potential pitfalls, and the questions farmers should address at the outset to help avoid unnecessary costs and complications.

Financial planning and succession will also be in focus during Protecting Profit, Assets and Your Farm's Future. Natalie Pollard, Tax Director at PKF Smith Cooper, and Hannah Connors, Senior Associate at Browne Jacobson, will explore how business structures, tax treatment and financial information can support diversification, alongside the implications of Inheritance Tax changes, including those affecting Agricultural and Business Property Relief.

Meanwhile, Phillipa Bagshaw, Head of Landed Estates at Coutts, will lead The Business Case for Diversification as part of Farm Shop Talks. Her session will look at assessing opportunities, evaluating investment decisions and building sustainable income streams, helping visitors distinguish commercially sound projects from costly distractions.

Bringing farm retail to life

Farm Shop Talks will also provide practical inspiration for farmers considering farm retail, food production and direct-to-consumer sales. Paul Hargreaves, CEO of Cotswold Fayre and founder of Flourish foodhall and restaurant, will present How to be Great in Speciality Food, sharing insights from his experience across wholesale, retail and hospitality. His session will explore how farms and producers can develop outstanding products and create retail experiences that attract customers and encourage them to return.

Alongside the scheduled programme, Ask the Expert sessions will give visitors opportunities to seek guidance and discuss specific challenges with specialists including Dudley Peverill, Glamping Industries Trade Association, and EDF Power Solutions, helping them explore the next steps for their own businesses. Visitors can book consultations in ahead of the event to secure their space. Across the show, the emphasis is on practical knowledge, honest experiences and connections that can help farmers and landowners make informed decisions about their future.

Farm Business Innovation 2026 takes place on 4–5 November at the NEC Birmingham. The event is free to attend, with ticket registration available HERE. For the full content programme visit www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk/2026-seminars.