WITH CHANGE at the top of UK farming's agenda, the 29th Semex International conference has revealed a line-up of speakers focussing on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the UK dairy industry.

The conference, which will be held from Sunday 13 to Tuesday 15 January, 2019, in the Radisson Blu Hotel in the heart of Glasgow, has been titled 'Agents of Change', and will feature political contributions from Defra minister George Eustice, English NFU president Minette Batters, and European dairy trade association secretary general Jukka Likitalo.

Offering an international perspective on dairy business will be Sue McCloskey, co-owner of the US’s largest agri-tourism attraction, Fair Oaks Farms, Fonterra China's production director Charlie Perotti, Arla Foods UK managing director Ash Amirahmadi, alongside a whole slew of speakers from around the global dairy sector. Chairing the 2019 conference will be respected Yorkshire dairy farmer Colin Price.

Semex UK sales manager Michael Dennison said: “We have a top line up of speakers who are all instrumental in managing change within the agricultural industry.

“As well as the technical and educational aspects of the conference it will also have the unrivalled mix of business and pleasure that it has become famous for, with the renowned Burns Supper being held on the Monday evening.

“There is little doubt that 2019 will be an unprecedented year, with a host of issues that the sector will need to get to grips with," said Mr Dennison. "There is no better place than the conference to determine what change might look like, or how best to keep on the front foot and one or two steps ahead of it. We look forward to welcoming our guests and colleagues."