More than 600 delegates gathered in the famous Oxford University Examination Halls to welcome the return of the Oxford Farming Conference for three days of discussion and debate on ‘Farming a new future’.

Over the course of the conference, delegates had the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers, debating everything from UK policy changes to the future of global trade and hearing from inspiring farm innovators and leading professors.

Commenting on delivering the conference after many months of planning, OFC chair, Emily Norton, said: “It was amazing to see all our different speakers, partners and delegates come together and to catch up with old and new acquaintances in person, was really special

“I feel very lucky to have been involved with the OFC council for three years and in my final year, as chair, I was able to try and translate some of the issues and messages I am passionate about in a meaningful way.”

After a year of challenges being thrown at farming’s door, she told The Scottish Farmer that she wanted to set an optimistic tone for the conference and encourage delegates to take personal responsibility for building a more positive future for farming.

“We didn’t want to discount the vast array of problems that the industry has faced this past year, but it was important for us to not to be negative or blame others, or to look to politicians to fix things, but instead look at what we can do as businesses and empower individuals to take more of a personal route to creating a difference.”

Ms Norton explained that she wanted to make sure this year’s conference shone a light on policy and innovations coming from devolved nations.

“We shared an update on a piece of regulation from Wales, looking at the wellbeing of future generations and individual action plans farmers are creating. One of our speakers, Welsh dairy farmer, Abi Reader, shared her journey in agro-forestry and what she is doing for the personal wellbeing of future generations. It challenged you to start thinking about how your actions will be viewed by your descendants, which was a very powerful message.”

This year’s conference also had a large bursary programme for young scholars and Ms Norton said she hoped this was something that will continue.

“One of the most important things we have done this last year, is to ensure there are many more bursary places offered. We want young people to have the opportunity to attend and for them to feel their contributions are valued.

"We want to ensure we build networks of young people and create ambition within them. I would like to encourage the council to continues to do that good work and empower young people to create a better future,” she said.